WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Vice President Dick Cheney says it was a mistake for Republican Sen. John McCain to pick Sarah Palin as his vice presidential nominee.

Cheney says he liked Palin, but that she didn’t pass the test of being ready to be president and that McCain’s campaign didn’t handle the vetting process well.

Republican challenger Mitt Romney is expected to announce a running mate in August. He is widely expected to choose someone perceived as competent but safe.

Cheney, whose own unpopularity was a flashpoint for the Bush administration, says there are two lists that candidates maintain. The bigger list includes politicians who want to be viewed as under consideration to boost their standing. Cheney says a second, much shorter list contains those who are actually being considered.

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