Obama Plans Saturday Matinee For VP Pick

The last episode of the Obama VP Thriller May be Played Out In Lincolnesque-like Way In Springfield, Illinois Saturday. McCain VP Epic To End Next Friday

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama plans a return to the city where he launched his campaign at the Old State House in Springfield, Illinois on Saturday where he is expected to name his VP nominee.

Sensing that nomination slipping away Senator Joe Biden (D) Delaware went to Georgia to burnish his foreign policy credentials toting along his promise of $1 billion in taxpayer money for the beleaguered country. The list of potential running mates is widely believed to be down to four names: Biden, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine and Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh. Sebelius is unknown; Kaine and Bayh are boring but represent important Elector College states. Senator Hillary Clinton is still considered a long shot for the post but few expect that to happen. Biden has a notorious loose and an ego that may exceed Obama’s own. Bayh, if elected would likely cost Democrats a Senate seat.

McCain’s top contenders are said to include Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Pawlenty is virtually unknown; Romney brings along bags of personal wealth and nearly as many problems - including prejudices against his Mormon faith. Less traditional choices include former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, an abortion-rights supporter, and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Democratic vice presidential pick in 2000 who now is an independent. Lieberman has been traveling with McCain on his campaign plane recently.

Obama has build a enormous email database promising an early text message about the VP pick to everyone that signed up. McCain is using more traditional way to announce his pick - smoke signals.