WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Republican candidate Sen. John McCain and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, stopped in Washington County on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday's event at CONSOL Energy Park in Washington, Pa., in southwestern Pennsylvania -- which the Democratic and Republican campaigns both consider a hotly contested area -- came one day after McCain announced Palin as his running mate.

McCain Reintroduces Palin At Washington Co. Rally

WTAE Channel 4's Commitment 2008 Special Section & Republican National Convention Coverage

Palin's name was left off all the short lists circulating in the media in recent days, and McCain's decision was a well-kept secret until just a couple of hours before Friday's rally. McCain's campaign manager says part of the decision came down to "personal fit."

He said Palin the Arizona senator sees Palin as a reformer and "the future of the party." To shouts of "Sa-rah! Sa-rah!" the Alaska governor thanked the crowd for the warm welcome.

McCain and Palin have started a bus tour across Ohio to Pittsburgh. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., traveled with his chosen running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., on Friday, stopping in Beaver, Pa., for a rally and speech at night (More: Obama-Biden Hold Rally In Beaver County).

McCain voiced concern for Gulf Coast residents fleeing the path of Hurricane Gustav. McCain's wife, Cindy, also attended the event, along with John Rich, of the country music group Big and Rich.

Free tickets for the 3 p.m. event ran out after distribution at the campaign's headquarters in Pittsburgh and various other Republican offices throughout the area. Tickets were not needed for the standing room in the field of the stadium.

McCain stopped in Pittsburgh in early July to speak with WTAE Channel 4's news-exchange partners at The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

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