McCain rejects Kerry's running mate offer

Kerry asked McCain in the last two weeks to consider becoming his running mate, but the Arizona senator said he's not interested, according to a Democratic official who spoke on condition of anonymity because Kerry has insisted that his deliberations be kept private. A second official involved in the discussions confirmed the account and said the Arizona senator made it clear he won't change his mind.

Both officials said Kerry stopped short of formally offering McCain the job, sparing himself an outright rejection that would make his eventual running mate look like a second choice.

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"Senator McCain categorically states that he has not been offered the vice presidency by anyone," said McCain's chief of staff, Mark Salter, who would not confirm the officials' account.