John McCain has tapped Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be the Republican vice presidential running mate in a startling selection on the eve of the Republican National Convention.
McCain's campaign said Friday that Palin "has the record of reform and bipartisanship that others can only speak of.
Palin has a strong anti-abortion record, and her selection was praised warmly by social conservatives whose support Mccain needs to prevail in the campaign.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a rival of McCain's in the primary race, had earlier been considered among the leading contenders to join the McCain ticket.
Romney grew up in Michigan, where his father, George Romney, was governor and a GOP presidential contender.