Likely nominees nearing VP choices

WASHINGTON, July 20 (UPI) -- Political observers say both the likely major party U.S. presidential nominees are in the final phases of picking their vice presidential running mates.

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., is looking to avoid any risky or potentially costly mistakes in making his choice, while the opposite is true for U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who needs someone to change the political equation for him, analysts said in Sunday's edition of The New York Times.

"Republicans need to do something to shake things up," Steve Elmendorf, a former aide to U.S. Sen. John Kerry, said. "Barack is in a different situation, and he needs somebody who can be safe and steady."

Among those considered to still be under Obama's consideration are Sens. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and Joseph Biden, D-Del.; former Democratic Senator Sam Nunn; and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine. McCain is looking at former GOP presidential rival Mitt Romney; Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.

McCain "needs to pick someone who will really energize and excite the party, but also someone with whom McCain feels a real comfort level and is young enough for those worried about the age issue," Republican strategist Ed Rollins told The Times.