An announcement is expected Friday and could blunt whatever momentum
Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama picks up from the Democratic
convention in Denver.

Republican presidential hopeful Senator John McCain has apparently made up
his mind who he will pick as his vice presidential running mate, according to
a source.  

But just who it is a closely guarded secret, with the official announcement
expected on Friday.

Republican Strategist Horace Cooper is with the American Civil Rights
Union.

 Republican Strategist Horace Cooper, saying: 
"Well,  the first mission for selecting a Vice President is just
like the doctor's mission, do no harm."

A top contender: McCain's one time rival former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt
Romney.

Republican Strategist Horace Cooper, saying: 
"Romney is a very popular person among republicans -- he has gotten
a lot of support and activism -- and he looks like he stepped right out of
central casting for President 101."

Romney's economic record, as a governor, businessman could bolster McCain,
whose trump card is national security. Romney's close ties to Michigan could
also help put a traditionally Democratic state in  play. But acrimony between
McCain and Romney during the primaries might be hard to overcome.  

Other names on the short list include Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, as well
as one time Pennsylvania Governor and Homeland Security Secretary Tom
Ridge,

Ridge's support for abortion rights could pose a problem, for a party that
relies on a conservative Christian vase to get out the vote.

Republican Strategist Horace Cooper, saying: 
"They are going to be upwards of a third or more of the people that
show up on election day. They will self identify as Christian conservatives, 
but even more important they are the foot soldiers on the
ground."

Other names on the list include  independent Senator Joe Lieberman  --
Democrat Al Gore's running mate in the 2000 race -  as well as the 37 year old
Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal.

Republican Strategist Horace Cooper, saying : 
"He brings some youth and excitement but it seems a little more
outside the box than what Republicans are willing to do. As I said, if Romney
is your idea of a rock star, than Jindal may look like a little too
much."

A Friday announcement would be aimed at blunting whatever momentum
Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama picks up from the Democratic
convention in Denver.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters