This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/7588435.stm

The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
McCain picks female running mate McCain picks female running mate
(10 minutes later)
US Republican presidential hopeful John McCain has picked Sarah Palin, the female governor of Alaska, as his surprise running mate.US Republican presidential hopeful John McCain has picked Sarah Palin, the female governor of Alaska, as his surprise running mate.
At 44, she is younger than Barack Obama and is credited with reforms during her first term, but she is relatively unknown in US politics.At 44, she is younger than Barack Obama and is credited with reforms during her first term, but she is relatively unknown in US politics.
Mr McCain is due to present her on stage at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, as he celebrates his 72nd birthday.Mr McCain is due to present her on stage at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, as he celebrates his 72nd birthday.
Analysts say the Republican is keen to wrest back headlines from Mr Obama.Analysts say the Republican is keen to wrest back headlines from Mr Obama.
Ms Palin is perhaps the most daring vice-presidential choice for Mr McCain, the BBC's Kim Ghattas reports from Dayton.Ms Palin is perhaps the most daring vice-presidential choice for Mr McCain, the BBC's Kim Ghattas reports from Dayton.
The two most likely choices were, until recently, former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney and Governor of Minnesota Tim Pawlenty.The two most likely choices were, until recently, former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney and Governor of Minnesota Tim Pawlenty.
Ms Palin may reinforce Mr McCain’s "maverick" tag, enjoying a reputation as someone willing to take on the party establishment.Ms Palin may reinforce Mr McCain’s "maverick" tag, enjoying a reputation as someone willing to take on the party establishment.
The Obama campaign has suggested that Mr McCain's choice is irresponsible, referring to her former role as mayor of the small Alaskan town of Wasilla.
"Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency," said spokesman Bill Burton.
Broad appealBroad appeal
The youngest governor of Alaska and the first woman to hold that position, Ms Palin is married with five children.The youngest governor of Alaska and the first woman to hold that position, Ms Palin is married with five children.
SARAH PALIN Elected Alaska’s youngest and first woman governor in 2006Grew up in Wasilla, near Anchorage, and was voted Miss Wasilla in 1984Studied journalism and political science at University of IdahoLikes hunting and fishing Profile: Sarah Palin SARAH PALIN Elected Alaska’s youngest and first woman governor in 2006Grew up in Wasilla, near Anchorage, and was voted Miss Wasilla in 1984Studied journalism and political science at University of IdahoLikes hunting and fishing Profile: Sarah Palin
Analysts say she may have been chosen by the McCain campaign as a tactic to win over Democratic women voters, disappointed by the defeat of Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama.Analysts say she may have been chosen by the McCain campaign as a tactic to win over Democratic women voters, disappointed by the defeat of Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama.
Her relative youth and reforms as governor may also go some way to match Mr Obama's appeal, and boost Mr McCain's chances.Her relative youth and reforms as governor may also go some way to match Mr Obama's appeal, and boost Mr McCain's chances.
"She will be his partner in reforming Washington," a senior McCain official told Reuters news agency, speaking on condition of anonymity."She will be his partner in reforming Washington," a senior McCain official told Reuters news agency, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Announcing Mr McCain's decision, his election website said Ms Palin had "brought Republicans and Democrats together within her administration [in Alaska] and has a record of delivering on the change and reform that we need in Washington".
At the same time, Ms Palin is a strong conservative, fiscally and socially.At the same time, Ms Palin is a strong conservative, fiscally and socially.
She also opposes abortion and one of her sons has Down's Syndrome.She also opposes abortion and one of her sons has Down's Syndrome.
Abortion has been a key issue cited by Republican voters who feel the Arizona senator is not conservative enough, our correspondent says.Abortion has been a key issue cited by Republican voters who feel the Arizona senator is not conservative enough, our correspondent says.
Alaskan investigationAlaskan investigation
Ms Palin lacks foreign policy experience and while being a Washington outsider can be an asset for the McCain ticket, it also means she has not been tested on the national stage, our correspondent says.Ms Palin lacks foreign policy experience and while being a Washington outsider can be an asset for the McCain ticket, it also means she has not been tested on the national stage, our correspondent says.
Sarah Palin now appears side by side with Mr McCain on his website
Her electoral chances may be harmed by the fact that she was placed under investigation in Alaska by state lawmakers at the end of July.Her electoral chances may be harmed by the fact that she was placed under investigation in Alaska by state lawmakers at the end of July.
She sacked a public safety commissioner and the allegation is that she sacked him because he had not fired a state trooper who is Ms Palin’s former brother-in-law, and who is in a custody battle with her sister.She sacked a public safety commissioner and the allegation is that she sacked him because he had not fired a state trooper who is Ms Palin’s former brother-in-law, and who is in a custody battle with her sister.
She says she has "nothing to hide" and is "cool" about the investigation.She says she has "nothing to hide" and is "cool" about the investigation.
Do you know Sarah Palin or have met her in the past? Send us your comments and experiences by filling out the form below.
Name