McCain 'grills' potential running mates at ranch barbecue

Like millions of Americans, John McCain fired up the grill to celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend and the official start to the summer with a few of his closest friends. Only, no matter how vigorously his press secretary insisted it was "social, purely social", the gathering at the Republican presidential candidate's Arizona ranch has generated a frenzy of speculation about his choice of running mate in November.

"He will be grilling," the exasperated press secretary told the media, to emphasise that it was a friendly barbecue for 20 invitees.

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But the double meaning is appropriate, because the senator has invited a trio of candidates he is considering for the job of Vice-President in a McCain administration. On the guest list are Bobby Jindal, the Louisiana Governor; Mitt Romney, defeated rival for the Republican nomination; and Charlie Crist, the permatanned Florida Governor whose endorsement helped Senator McCain clinch that crucial state's primary.

At 36, Mr Jindal is the youngest and most intriguing candidate. A two-term Congressman before winning the Louisiana governorship, he has been touted by McCain staffers as a potential answer to concerns about the candidate's own advanced age – and also as a mirror to the historic candidacy of Barack Obama.

Mr Jindal was born to Indian parents, recently arrived in the US from Punjab, and Mr McCain grew to admire him when he campaigned recently in the state.

Mr Romney had appeared an improbable running-mate after some bitter exchanges with Mr McCain during the primary, but his private equity background makes him a formidable fund-raiser. Mr McCain needs to burnish his economic credentials as the US recession moves to the top of the political agenda.

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