McCain chooses Alaska Governor Palin: US media (2nd Lead)

Aug 29, 2008, 15:08 GMT

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain has chosen Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate, US media reported. © Tony Lowe / PR Photos

Washington - Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain has chosen Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate, US media reported.

Palin, 44, was a surprise pick but brings strong conservative credentials to the ticket. The McCain campaign informed CNN, Fox News and NBC of the choice.

McCain was expected to make the announcement in Dayton, Ohio later on Friday as he hopes to gain the media spotlight hours after the Democratic convention in Denver, Colorado ended.

Palin had not been among the names touted by the media leading up to the announcement. By picking Palin, McCain should get a bigger media boost than expected and could quickly steal the spotlight from Democratic opponent Barack Obama, who gave his acceptance speech Thursday night.

Palin is staunchly pro-life, opposed to gay marriage and is a member of the National Rifle Association, the powerful group that lobbies against laws regulating access to guns.

Her conservative positions will help attract the Republican right, which has been skeptical of McCain's moderate positions and willingness to break with his party on issues like campaign finance reform.

Palin also gives a youthful appearance to the presidential ticket and counters worries that McCain is too old for the job. McCain turned 72 on Friday and, if elected, would be the oldest president to begin a first term.

The Republican Party begins its convention in St Paul, Minnesota on Monday.