So says Goldfarb. Picking up Pennsylvania in the general is huge enough to make this a no-brainer, but read Stephen Hayes. Besides his home state, what does Ridge bring to the ticket? (Or is that enough?) He’s got the same strong points Maverick has, right down to his veteran status, and a major weakness for the social cons McCain needs to attract. And a point Hayes doesn’t make: Does McCain want to load himself up with any more Bush connections than is absolutely necessary? The Democrats are already framing his victory as a de facto third Bush term; running with a former cabinet member — who headed DHS, no less — makes it that much easier.

Exit question: Sarah Palinnow more than ever? (Exit answer: Why?)