**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.
