ARRISBURG, Pa. - Governor Thomas Ridge, whose prospects as George W. Bush's running mate have ricocheted through Republican politics all year, hunched over a children's computer game yesterday with intense interest.
Press ''F'' and a fox appears. ''What do you get down there for `VP?''' Ridge asked.
That is indeed the question, and few face it as often as Ridge. After being the front-runner for the vice presidential slot for months, Ridge's fortunes have declined in recent weeks as a vocal group of Republicans have attacked him for supporting abortion rights. Yesterday, however, Ridge seemed determined to breathe new life into his chances, seizing upon a survey that showed him as the top choice among delegates to the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia.
''I think that it says that although there are some people that write about the controversy associated with potentially selecting a candidate who disagrees with him on the issue of choice, they are united and at the end of the day and they respect the governor's decision,'' Ridge said in an interview at a YWCA child care center.
The delegates' willingness to support a running mate who backs abortion rights gives Bush ''more options, gives him a certain comfort level,'' Ridge said.
Ridge's potential vice presidential candidacy has been opposed by some who argue that it will tear apart the convention and the party. But Ridge supporters, especially those who back abortion rights, say his selection would send a positive signal to moderate voters.
The survey by the Associated Press found that half of the delegates could back a running mate who supports abortion rights, while 22 percent said they could not, with the rest giving no opinion.
Moreover, of those who named a preference for vice president, Ridge was the top choice, favored by 7 percent of the delegates, followed by Elizabeth Dole with 6.7 percent. Representative John R. Kasich was backed by 5.2 percent, Colin L. Powell got 5 percent and John McCain had 3.2 percent. Powell and McCain have said they would not accept the nomination.
The Associated Press conducted a similar survey of Democratic delegates. The two picks were Senators Evan Bayh of Indiana and Dianne Feinstein of California, both with 3.5 percent. Senator John F. Kerry of Massachusetts did not appear among the top five choices.
With increasing speculation that Bush will announce his vice presidential pick early next week, perhaps five or six days before the opening of the convention, the Texas governor is clearly approaching his end game. Ridge said that he has not been informed of any deadline but said he talks with the Bush campaign on a daily basis.
Both abortion rights and antiabortion forces are trying to influence Bush's decision. This week, groups ranging from the American Conservative Union to Priests for Life launched efforts to convince Bush to pick someone who opposes abortion. At the same time, groups such as Republicans for Choice met yesterday with Bush campaign officials in a longshot effort to remove language from the party platform that calls for a ban on all abortions.
The effort by anti-abortion forces clearly has had an impact. For example, one influential Bush associate who spoke on condition of anonymity said last week that although he initially favored Ridge, he has switched to supporting Governor Frank Keating of Oklahoma. The sole reason for the switch is that Keating opposes abortion. Keating's stock has climbed even though he is not well-known nationally. Both Ridge and Keating are Roman Catholics, who represent up to 30 percent of the electorate and are expected to play a huge role in determining the outcome.
Ridge, meanwhile, is under increasing pressure within the party. For example, the American Conservative Union chairman, David Keene, has written a widely distributed memo that says Ridge is not a really a conservative. Keene said that when Ridge served in the House from 1983 to 1994, he voted with American Conservative Union only 51 percent of the time. ''Ridge is clearly no conservative, not even close,'' Keene wrote.
But Ridge said the AP survey showed that he or another prospect who supports abortion rights is a legitimate contender.
''What the poll shows to me is they are going to support that decision one way or the other,'' Ridge said. ''It sounds good for the party, whether it turns out to be good for me.''
Bush, speaking to reporters in Austin, said he remains undecided about his choice, although he has narrowed his list.
''I want you all to know I have not made up my mind yet about who the vice president is going to be,'' Bush said as he unveiled his campaign's updated Internet site. This weekend, the governor is expected to reflect on his decision at his ranch in Crawford, just outside of Waco, aides said.
Kranish reported from Harrisburg. Zuckman, traveling with Bush, reported from Austin, Texas.
