USTIN, Texas - Vanquished primary rival John McCain has told a prominent Republican governor and friend of his and George W. Bush's that he would be willing to serve as the Texan's running mate, sources said yesterday.
McCain, who has previously ruled out a vice presidential bid publicly, signaled his change of heart in a telephone conversation this week with Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, abruptly raising McCain's profile as Bush draws close to deciding on a running mate, three GOP officials said.
In a telephone call to McCain on Tuesday, Ridge urged his longtime friend and fellow Vietnam War veteran to take the job if offered. Sources said Ridge made it clear he was not acting on behalf of Bush or any other party.
''You know me, Tommy. If the governor asked me, you know I would serve. I would prefer not to, but I'll serve,'' McCain told Ridge, according to three sources who independently confirmed the quote.
Two sources said Ridge told a senior Bush adviser about his conversation and received a ''cool reception'' to the idea of putting McCain on the ticket.
Ridge has been considered a top candidate for the job, but told McCain that he didn't think he was still in the running, the sources said. Bush has not given any hints about his plans, other than to say his list is narrow and a decision will come soon.
The sources, all of whom were briefed about the conversation, spoke on condition of anonymity.
According to the sources, former Defense Secretary Dick Cheney asked McCain's staff yesterday to provide telephone numbers where the Arizona senator can be reached this weekend and next. Bush is expected to make his selection within 10 days, before the GOP convention in Philadelphia, where he faces official nomination.
In a separate development, several House Republicans have begun circulating a letter urging Bush to select McCain, according to party officials. They said the lawmakers are concerned about retaining control of the House and think McCain would appeal to ticket-spliters and independents, particularly in California.
McCain advisers said last night that, despite the developments, they don't think the senator will get the nod because of animosity remaining from his bitter campaign against Bush.
They suggested that Cheney sought the telephone numbers merely so Bush could give the senator a ''courtesy call'' once he selects a running mate. Republican sources say Cheney has asked for similar information from other candidates, including Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating and Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel.
Sources close to Bush said this week they would be stunned if Bush turned to the maverick senator after the bitter primary campaign.
McCain advisers said the senator's remarks to Ridge are a subtle but important shift regarding the vice presidency. McCain has consistently said he didn't want the job, but has at times left open the possibility that he would accept it if offered.
The telephone conversation is notable for another reason: It reflects the belief among GOP officials that Ridge has fallen out of contention. Though he comes from a key state, his abortion-rights position apparently has hurt Ridge's candidacy. Ridge is a Catholic.
