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John McCain Visits Ohio and Penn. Firehouse

Republican John McCain said Tuesday he’s satisfied that Sarah Palin’s background was properly checked before the Alaska governor joined the Republican ticket. He predicted that public excitement about her candidacy will increase after she addresses the GOP convention on Wednesday. McCain visited fire houses in Ohio and Pennsylvania on Tuesday, and was due to arrive at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., on Wednesday.

Asked whether Palin’s background was thoroughly checked out before he selected her, McCain told reporters in Philadelphia: “The vetting process was completely thorough and I’m grateful for the results.”

Later, after visiting a firehouse in Brecksville, Ohio, near Cleveland, McCain added: “I just want to repeat again how excited I am to have Sarah Palin, the great governor of Alaska, as my running mate.”

“America is excited and they’re going to be even more excited once they see her tomorrow night,” he said. “I’m very, very proud of the impression she’s made on all of America and I look forward to serving with her.”

In St. Paul, Minn., campaign advisers vehemently defended the Palin review. They said she completed a 70-question survey with questions that included: Have you ever paid for sex? Have you been faithful in your marriage? Have you ever used or purchased drugs? Have you ever downloaded pornography?

Questions about the thoroughness of the review of Palin came up after Palin disclosed that her teenage daughter, Bristol, is pregnant.

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