[leadpenny]

Ridge was prohibited from running for re-election this year due to term limits.

Thanks. That sheds some light on the subject.

I'm sure he saw this current position as a means to increase his national exposure and further his future political ambitions. He may even have thought this could be a stepping stone to the 2004 VP nomination.

Very insightful. As I remember, before W selected Cheney, Ridge was on the VP 'short list.' The talk back then was that W would have been intimidated by Ridge's physical size.

[lonestar]

The talk back then was that W would have been intimidated by Ridge's physical size.

Would be fun to have him next to Daschle.

Ridge is big but Dubya doesn't have to stand on boxes!

[Redbob]

"As I remember, before W selected Cheney, Ridge was on the VP 'short list.' The talk back then was that W would have been intimidated by Ridge's physical size."

The talk back then was that the conservative wing of the GOP,i.e., those who actually get out and work in the party, would have gone ballistic if an Eastern RINO like Ridge had been nominated; we'd have stayed home in droves.