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Talk about a close call: The gambling public has Tom Ridge only a slight +150 favorite to be named Republican John McCain's running mate during his bid to become next President of the United States. The payout would be $150 for every $100 wagered.
And while Ridge was considered a long shot just weeks ago (as was Joe Biden among Democrats we might add), he's far from a lock either. Mitt Romney was at +180 odds, followed very closely by Tim Pawlenty at +200 odds. And to make matters worse, Tom Ridge was tied with the "field" option as favorite, meaning a payout on anyone who was not specifically mentioned below.
Colin Powell is one such person who would be considered among the "field" choices. Yesterday, we reported on how the very popular former Secretary of State was under consideration for the position.
BetCRIS.com - the oldest established bookmaker catering to the North American gambler - correctly predicted last week that Joe Biden would be chosen as Senator Barack Obama's running mate. They might not be so bold with their prediction on the Republican side however. If either Pawlenty or Romney were to get even the slightest increase in action, they could end up passing over Ridge as the favorite.
Still, Tom Ridge could help seal the deal in Pennsylvania where he served as a former Governor. Pennsylvania remains one of the most crucial swing states, which Gambling911.com reported Sunday was listed as a -700 favorite for the Democrats to take the Electoral College.
Over Ridge's tenure, the Commonwealth's budget grew by two to three percent per fiscal year and combined tax reductions totaled over $2 billion. Ridge created and grew a "Rainy Day" Fund balance to over $1 billion to be utilized during an economic downturn or recession.
Gov. Ed Rendell, talking to the Pennsylvania delegation this morning in Denver, said he'd be alerted that former Gov. Tom Ridge will be introducing John McCain at an event in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, an indication that he would not join him on the ticket.
"Gov. Ridge is not going to be the running mate," Rendell said of Ridge.
Time Magazine had reported last week that Mitt Romney would be named John McCain's running mate, but the McCain camp was quick to douse those rumors.
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Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
