McCain picks female running mate :

US Republican presidential hopeful John McCain has picked Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, as his surprise running mate.
At 44, she is three years younger than Barack Obama and is credited with reforms during her first term, but she is relatively unknown in US politics.
Mr McCain appeared with her on stage at a lively rally in Dayton, Ohio.
Analysts say Mrs Palin was chosen to rejuvenate the campaign of Mr McCain, who is celebrating his 72nd birthday.
The announcement ended weeks of speculation about his potential choice, in which Mrs Palin was mentioned only as a long shot.