Begun by the Prince of Darkness himself.

Sources close to Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign are suggesting he will reveal the name of his vice presidential selection this week while Sen. Barack Obama is getting the headlines on his foreign trip. The name of McCain's running mate has not been disclosed, but Mitt Romney has led the speculation recently.

The timing would be odd, but not unprecedented. And it might distract from the current Obama Blitz through the Middle East and Europe. But when would he do this? And who would be the pick?

Well, the rumor is Mitt Romney. But that would mean no announcement this week, since Romney is out of the country until Friday or Saturday (for that matter, Cindy McCain is out of the country, too -- and spouses are a must for these events)

Now you understand, I wouldn't mind that choice at all. After all, I was a Romney supporter from the beginning. But does he supply the Oomph!" that the McCain ticket needs? And would his selection harm his prospects in 2012 if Obama wins this fall?

But then again, there is also that meeting scheduled for tomorrow with Louisiana's Bobby Jindal -- another favorite of mine. But Jindal said yesterday that he wasn't going to be the pick. I'd assume that means he hasn't been asked for vetting material -- plus he may be a bit too young. Let him clean up Louisiana and run in 2012 -- at the top or bottom of the ticket, with an even more impressive record.

So if not them, who? Rudy? Crist? Pawlenty? Palin? Portman? Who?

And, of course, WHEN? Politico is saying not quite yet.

Or is this just one of those stories that rises to the surface on a bubble of speculation, only to fall away into obscurity when it does not come to pass.

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