POSSIBLE VEEPS FOR MCcain

The latest: As Sen. John McCain prepared to meet this weekend with three potential running mates, Republican leaders across the country on Thursday gave a tentative nod of approval to those prospects while pointing to the possible suitability of others.

The names: Meeting with McCain at his Arizona ranch are Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida, Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts. But party officials also cited other possibilities, including Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

The process: Several Republicans close to the campaign say McCain and campaign manager Rick Davis are running the show, but A.B. Culvahouse, a former Reagan counsel who has been involved in prior vice presidential searches, also is involved. They also insist this weekend's gathering is social, not business.

The assessment: "I'm still perceiving a need to reassure his base," said Kris Kobach, the Kansas Republican chairman. "I think he has got to reassure conservatives that he respects the core principles of the Republican Party through this vice presidential pick. I think that has to be the primary objective of his vice presidential choice."

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