The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

(Page 2 of 2)

's recent engagement announcement comes at a time when McCain staffers are stepping up the vetting of possible vice-presidential nominees. Crist, who regardless of whether he is on a McCain ticket or not, is seen as critical to the candidate's chances of winning the White House given the importance of Florida to GOP prospects. /p>

Crist's bachelorhood has long been up for discussion in Washington political salons, and engagement to Carole Rome, a 38-year-old mother of two, is only going to increase talk. Crist's bachelorhood isn't only being discussed in Washington. It was a point of conversation among some of the GOP leaders who gathered at McCain's Sedona ranch six weeks ago for what was billed as a "veep sweepstakes weekend" by some in the media.

"He was the only bachelor there, and it was topic of discussion," says an attendee at Sedona. "His companion was younger than just about everyone other than [Louisiana Gov. Bobby] Jindal."

topics:
John McCain, Barack Obama, Energy