Florida Gov. Charlie Crist listens as Republican presidential nominee John McCain speaks to the press at Signature Flight Support in West Palm Beach today. McCain was campaigning in Florida after securing the Republican presidential nomination.

[AP photo]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Republican John McCain praised Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, a potential running mate, as they campaigned together Thursday, although he sidestepped questions about a vice presidential choice.
During his first campaign appearance since clinching the GOP presidential nomination, McCain said he has not even begun looking at vice presidential candidates.
"You know, obviously, we have just begun that process, and we, in fact, have not even outlined how we're going to go about this," McCain said at a news conference after he and Crist shook hands with people at a local diner. "We're looking at how the process was conducted by other candidates and nominees of their party.
"But I know one thing about Governor Crist," he added. "And that is that he is a great governor. He does a great job. And I think that ... there are many ways for him to serve the country."
Crist, 51, is among more than a half-dozen politicians mentioned as a potential running mate. His last-minute endorsement of McCain is credited with helping McCain win the Jan. 29 Florida primary.
"The process is really open," McCain said of his search. "But I know that Governor Crist will continue to serve this country in many respects in the future. He's still a very young man."