Ridge defends Palin, but still touts his own electability

CHAMBERSBURG -- Former Gov. Tom Ridge (R) Friday afternoon defended comments he made earlier in the day that his inclusion on the Republican presidential ticket would change the "dynamics" of the race in Pennsylvania.

"If Senator Obama takes (as vice president) a former governor of another state, would he be doing better in that part of the state than he is today?" Ridge asked. "Probably."

Ridge spoke with reporters on board one of John McCain’s "Straight Talk Express" buses as the former governor toured south central Pennsylvania rallying support for the GOP ticket.

Asked if his inclusion on the ticket would have changed the race nationally, Ridge said he's "not in a position to make that calculation."

Emphasizing that he approved of the Palin choice, Ridge said: "I'm in a position to say John made a very good choice. It's energized the base around the country. I don't think John is looking for someone to win a state."

He's looking for someone who could make a national impact, Ridge said.

"She precisely the running mate he wanted."