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Crist May Get No VP Payoff For New Oil Position

Posted Jun 20, 2008 by Billy House, Tribune Washington Bureau

Updated Jun 20, 2008 at 02:10 PM

WASHINGTON – Gov Charlie Crist appears to be doing all he can to convince John McCain he’d be a good and loyal vice presidential running mate.

There’s Crist’s newfound support this week for offshore drilling; his dashing out to McCain’s Arizona ranch for a Memorial Day weekend barbecue; and his sudden lack of urgency regarding a federal catastrophic insurance.

The latter item had been Crist’s top federal priority last year. But as it turns out, McCain opposes it.

But will there be any payoff for Crist?

U.S. News & World Report this week reveals that the McCain camp’s internal polls show that adding Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty to the ticket could help McCain win not only Minnesota but Wisconsin, as well.

Such a move would lend credence to talk that McCain is considering a so-called “Big 10” strategy, trying to win states from the Midwest collegiate sports conference, such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

All of this may or may not point to a big disappointment ahead for Crist. But then, if McCain wins the White House, there are always presidential cabinet positions to fill.