McCain to meet possible running mates

The Associated Press and the New York Times report that John McCain will be meeting with possible running mates this weekend. The New York Times reports that Gov. Pawlenty will not be attending because he has to attend a wedding.

Here's the AP's broadcast wire story:

CLEVELAND (AP) - The Memorial Day guest list at Sen. John McCain's Arizona home runs to at least three Republicans mentioned as vice presidential running mates, but a top aide said Wednesday that vetting possible veeps is not on the agenda.

"It's purely social," said Mark Salter, a senior adviser to McCain.

He said Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and their wives were all invited to a Memorial Day gathering at the senator's home in Sedona, Ariz. Romney ran for the Republican presidential nomination in last winter's primaries, but dropped out months ago and has endorsed McCain.

Salter said 10 couples in all were invited, adding that McCain often hosts friends and political acquaintances at his compound.

McCain said more than a month ago that he was in the "embryonic stages" of selecting a running mate for the fall campaign, but neither he nor aides have disclosed additional information in the weeks since.

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