Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Ridge won't lobby to run with McCain

By CHRIS A. COUROGEN

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge said he is flattered that his name is being mentioned as a possible running mate for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain of Arizona but he is not pursuing the job.

"I'd like to serve my country wherever I can do best," Ridge said Monday night. "I didn't lobby for two of the best jobs I have had, assistant to the president on homeland security or to be secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. I won't lobby for this one, either.

"Obviously I'd be honored to get [the vice president job]," said Ridge, who is president and CEO of Ridge Global LLC, a consulting firm he founded after stepping down as homeland security secretary in 2005. "I'm enjoying my private life, but I learned a long time ago to never say never."

Ridge's name has been floated because of his long association with McCain -- the two were freshman congressmen in 1983 -- and because of speculation that having Ridge on the ticket might help swing Pennsylvania to McCain.

Whether it is as a running mate or in some lesser role, it is clear McCain is counting on Ridge's support in the state. The two men flew to Harrisburg together after a Monday morning campaign stop in Erie. Ridge will appear with McCain this morning at a town hall meeting in York.

Expect to see much more of McCain in the state between now and Election Day.

"We have to win here. We have to campaign here," McCain told reporters riding with him from Harrisburg International Airport to the Hilton Harrisburg. "It's a battleground state. Make no illusions about it. Pennsylvania will be one of the states that will determine [the election]."

McCain vowed to take his campaign bus to "every small town" in the state.

"We'll tell them we understand that they love their Second Amendment rights and cherish their religion, not because of any cynicism about the economy, but because they are the heartland and strength of America, imbued with family and traditional values," said McCain, who later worked to boost those outdoorsman credentials with a visit to Bass Pro Shop in Swatara Twp.

Ridge argued that despite a Democratic edge in voter registrations, McCain can win Pennsylvania.

Calling the state's Democrats "independent thinkers" who are not afraid to vote for a candidate from the other party, he said McCain "absolutely" can carry the state.

"A lot of [Democrats] voted for me," Ridge said. "This is a red, white and blue state, and John McCain is a red, white and blue candidate."

McCain refused to comment on reports Ridge might be under consideration to be his running mate. But he didn't hold back when given an opportunity to sing Ridge's praises.

"Friend of a quarter-century. Served in the military. Served as a prosecutor. Served as a member of Congress, elected from a majority Democrat district. Governor and the person who has served in the most difficult job outside the presidency making our country safe after the tragedy of 9/11. My respect and appreciation for Governor Ridge is enormous."

CHRIS A. COUROGEN: 255-8112 or ccourogen@patriot-news.com

INFOBOX:

MCCAIN TOUCHES ON ISSUES INCLUDING ECONOMY, SECURITY

In a conversation Monday with four reporters who hitched a ride downtown from Harrisburg International Airport, Sen. John McCain touched on the following issues:

ON THE IRAQ WAR: "After our initial military victory, they thought the rest of it was going to be easy. That was when the hard part began."

ON THE VICE PRESIDENCY: "The vice president has two duties. One is in case of a tie vote in the U.S. Senate, the vice president comes and casts the tie-breaking vote. The other duty is to inquire daily as to the health of the president. That will be a pretty big responsibility as we all know, given my situation."

ON THE KEY ISSUES: "Obviously, the economy is the most important, compelling issue to all Americans. That is very understandable. At the same time, Americans are not unaware of the fact we live in a very dangerous world today."

To listen to the complete conversation with McCain, visit www.pennlive.com.