Q: Is former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge on your list of vice presidential possibilities?

[McCain]: We haven't really talked about the list, because it then rapidly devolves into an unhealthy situation for the people whose names I mention. As far as Tom Ridge is concerned, he's a close friend, a great American, a great governor. He and I came to the House of Representatives together. I have the highest regard for Tom Ridge and the job he did as director of Homeland Security, and I think he has a big place in our party and in our country. But I can't make a specific name, I just can't do it. Because, otherwise, then who else?

Affinnova, the leader in optimization technology for innovation and marketing, announced today the surprising results of Optimize *08, its first-ever program to identify the ideal vice presidential candidate and top issue combinations on which both Republicans and Democrats should campaign. Affinnova's project to identify the ideal vice presidential candidates marks the first time this technology has been applied to the political process.

The most surprising results of the Affinnova optimization show that former Secretary of State Colin Powell has extraordinary strength on both sides of the aisle as he emerged as the most electable VP choice for both Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama. Likely voters for both parties in the study indicate Powell's strong leadership and dependability as factors for choosing him first.

Wes Clark, last night on MSNBC:

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will campaign for U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) later this week in New Hampshire.

Romney will march in the Wolfeboro Fourth of July parade, PolitickerNH.com has learned.

The Missouri Democrat [Sen. Claire McCaskill] and confidante to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) was overheard teasingly referring to Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) as "Mr. Vice President" on the Senate floor Thursday night.

Webb, McCaskill and a clutch of other freshmen were hanging out together on the chamber floor when Webb stood up from his seat to make his way to the podium to deliver a speech on the war spending bill. "Oh, Mr. Vice President," McCaskill called after him. "Mr. Vice President!"

Tim Pawlenty on Fox yesterday: