Opinion: John McCain starting to focus on a veep pick

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Republican John McCain is making a list.

A long one. Of potential running mates.

McCain, speaking with reporters aboard his campaign bus today, also spoke by telephone with radio talk show host Don Imus. McCain said his staff has started compiling a list of possible running mates and is having the choices vetted.

The list holds about 20 names, he said –- not in a sharing mood.

“It’s every name imaginable,’’ he said.

Really? Jeb Bush? Condoleezza Rice? Jesse Ventura?

“I’m aware of the enhanced importance of this issue given my age,’ McCain, 71, quipped. “I’d like to get it done as early as possible.’’

-- Mark Silva

Mark Silva of the Chicago Tribune’s Washington Bureau writes for the Swamp.