Can VP selection really be a true game-changer?

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WAUKESHA, WI - AUGUST 12: Republican vice presidential candidate and Wisconsin native Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) greets supporters during a campaign event at the Waukesha Expo Center. (Photo by Darren Hauck/Getty Images)
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Posted: 08/13/2012

GILBERT, Ariz. (AP) -- When a little-known Alaska governor stepped onto the American political stage as John McCain's running mate four years ago, the choice was intended to be a game-changer.

While Sarah Palin gave a boost to the Republican Arizona senator's presidential campaign initially, her campaign overall had mixed results.

Now voters and election watchers are trying to determine if Republican Mitt Romney's choice of Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate will be a game-changer in this year's elections.

Those who have studied elections and vice presidential choices say the VP choice doesn't do much, if anything, to affect the outcome most years.

But they say it can make a difference in a very close race

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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