INSTANT VIEW - McCain picks Palin as running mate

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain has picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate.

Following are comments on McCain's choice:

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

JAY TIMMONS

"A consistent economic conservative, Gov. Palin understands first-hand the complexities and challenges of stimulating economic growth and job creation ... The job of a governor is perfect preparation to helping run the federal government.

REPUBLICAN SEN. KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON OF TEXAS, INTERVIEWED ON

CNN:

"The fact that she's not a Washingtonian, that she is a reformer, that she's outside the Beltway is, you know, a point in her favour. The fact that I don't know her, the fact that others maybe in Washington haven't known her and she doesn't know the ways of Washington might be the very best thing of all."

MICHAEL LINDSAY, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY, RICE UNIVERSITY,