Experts: VP pick needs economic clout

WASHINGTON, July 1 (UPI) -- Presumptive Republican U.S. presidential nominee John McCain should pick a running mate with strong economic credentials, analysts say.

U.S. Sen. McCain, R-Ariz., has admitted he's not an economics expert and since he's already seen as strong on foreign policy, some political observers say McCain would be best off by choosing a vice president who could bring credibility on bread-and-butter economic concerns, ABC News reported Tuesday.

In fact, said Thomas Whalen, a Boston University presidential historian, McCain should probably name his whole economic team before the November election.

"It would behoove (McCain) to pick someone who has some expertise in economic matters," he told ABC News. "Someone like a Mitt Romney, who is a businessman and a venture capitalist who has a track record and knows how to balance a budget."

"For McCain, it's probably more relevant to pick a vice president who reflects his economic positions than it is for (likely Democratic opponent U.S. Sen. Barack) Obama," added Republican political consultant Reggie Bashur. "McCain has already said economics is not his forte. McCain has got to show the public that he's going to turn the page and do things differently."