McCain VP choice concerns conservatives

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Conservatives, like Democrats, are concerned that Sen. Joe Lieberman, Ind-Conn., might become the Republican U.S. vice-presidential candidate.

Lieberman has been scheduled to speak on the first night of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., further fueling speculation that the independent senator from Connecticut, formerly a Democrat, might become John McCain's running mate, CNN reported Thursday.

Lieberman's support for abortion rights particularly concerns conservatives, who for the same reason are also upset about the possibility of former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge being on the Republican ticket.

Conservative activist Richard A. Viguerie warned in an open letter "Senator McCain, you are exceedingly proud of being a political maverick -- you wear it as a badge of honor. Well, poke the base of the Republican Party -- the conservatives -- in the eye one more time by choosing a pro-abortion vice presidential candidate, and conservatives will show you that two can play the maverick game."

McCain, R-Ariz., has remained publicly noncommittal.

"I will nominate a person to be vice president, my running mate, who shares my principles, my values and my priorities, and that's the best that I can tell you," he said recently.