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VEEPSTAKES

Let the Horse Race Begin

With the Republican nomination under his belt, John McCain's next task is vetting possible running mates. There are several laps to go--the vice-presidential candidate probably won't be chosen until this summer--but here's a look at the early odds:

CONDOLEEZZA RICE

PRO: The seasoned Secretary of State would be the first black-woman candidate from either party.

CONS: Calls herself "mildly pro-choice"; tainted by Iraq mismanagement.

THE LINE: Underdog. With President Bush's low approval ratings, McCain may want a fresh start.

ROB PORTMAN

PRO: Young, fiscally conservative former Office of Management and Budget head from the swing state of Ohio.

CON: Nearly invisible national profile.

THE LINE: Sleeper. Quiet, competent and base-friendly; an under-the-radar contender.

MARK SANFORD

PRO: Genial, maverick governor of South Carolina with a strong conservative record.

CONS: Comes from a safe Republican state; refused earlier to endorse McCain.

THE LINE: Risky bet. That snub in the S.C. primary may have shot his chance at this ticket.

HALEY BARBOUR

PRO: Mississippi governor with strong ties to the GOP power grid in D.C.

CON: McCain campaign already well-stocked with current and former lobbyists.

THE LINE: Long shot. An influence broker on the ticket could hurt McCain's reformist rep.

TIM PAWLENTY

PRO: Governor of swing state Minnesota and a longtime ally with proven campaign skills.

CONS: Has clashed with conservatives; McCain lost Minnesota caucuses.

THE LINE: Pacesetter. Stood by McCain during his campaign's dark days; rewards may await.

DAVID PETRAEUS

PRO: Embodies the new, more successful Iraq policy, on which McCain has staked his candidacy.

CONS: No political experience; military career not yet done.

THE LINE: Dark horse. The general could serve his purpose just by being mentioned on a short list.

GOD-O-METER

Preacher Troubles

Barack Obama's March 18 speech in Philadelphia was billed as being about "race, politics and unifying our country." But it was also about religion, as Obama was forced to address calls for him to further distance himself from Jeremiah Wright, the incendiary former pastor of his home church. Still, the Illinois Senator demurred. "As imperfect as he may be," Obama said, "he has been like family to me." Obama's attempt to address the racial issues Wright raised could backfire if opponents hammer away on Obama's refusal to condemn him. If John Kerry suffered for appearing disconnected from his own church, Obama might suffer for being too close to his.

For daily God-o-Meter readings covering all the presidential candidates, visit beliefnet.com

SECULARIST THEOCRAT