**VEEPSTAKES FEVER!!!**

**THE POLITICAL WORLD IS ON FIRE WITH BUZZ ABOUT EARLIER-THAN-EXPECTED MCCAIN AND OBAMA PICKS**

Could McCain announce his pick Thursday in Ohio?

Which leading prospect sneaked into one of the campaign headquarters on Tuesday?

Is Obama poised to go pre-Olympics?

Will they choose from the ostensible short lists, or spring a Kemp-like surprise?

How about a Mormon -- but not Romney?

HALPERIN'S TAKE: The advantages of an early pick.