While all the focus is on the Democrats this week with Super Duper Tuesday II, I’ve been taking a closer look at John McCain….and his 25-year friendship with Erie native Tom Ridge.

The idea of Ridge being selected as VP has been flying around the rumor mill since 2000. When I spoke to the former Homeland Security director back in December he told me he wouldn’t be running for president this year, but he didn’t rule out the VP role.

John McCain touts Ridge’s support on the campaign trail often, and he has good reason to due so. Ridge is a war veteran like McCain, and he was extremely popular as governor of Pennsylvania, not to mention the fact that he has high level leadership experience, serving as the nation’s first Homeland Security director. Ridge could help McCain deliver our electorally important state—we hold 21 votes.

So, what’s my interest in the fella? Well, he’s an Erie native, and looks, acts, and speaks the part. If I were McCain I’d think twice about putting him by my side, as Ridge looks much more presidential than McCain ever will. (How Mr. Ridge stays so tan, I’ll never know.)

Other than his good looks, there are reasons why Ridge might not be the best pick. We all know McCain is tough on terror so the Senator might need to pick a running mate with credentials unlike his own and expertise in areas that McCain is less familiar with. Sticking the two war veterans together might be security overload.

Whether or not Ridge is named as VP, if McCain makes it to the White House I’m certain he'll will be named as an important adviser.

OK fine…now you can go back to squabbling over who will win Super Duper Tuesday II…