Denver: John McCain tapped little-known Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his vice-presidential running mate, two senior campaign officials said on Friday.
A formal announcement was expected within a few hours at a campaign rally in swing-state Ohio.
Palin, 44, is a self-styled hockey mom and political reformer who has been Governor of her state less than two years.
Obama vows to cut taxes, end Mideast oil dependence | Bill Clinton forcefully endorses Obama
Palin's selection was a stunning surprise, as McCain passed over many other better known prospects, some of whom had been the subject of intense speculation for weeks or months.
She is a former mayor of Wasilla who became Governor of her state in 2006 after ousting a governor of her own party in a primary and then dispatching a former governor in the general election.
