Reversing earlier media reports, U.S. Republican presidential hopeful John McCain said Thursday he hasn't made the decision on who will be his running mate.

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain (R-AZ) smiles during the Civil Forum on the Presidency at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, August 16, 2008. [Xinhua/Reuters Photo]

He made the remarks in a morning interview with KDKA radio station.

However, time is running out as McCain is set to announce his pick on Friday in front of a big rally of 15,000 people in Ohio.

U.S. TV networks earlier reported that he has settled on a choice.

But McCain did praise former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, a potential running mate during the interview.

Other top contenders for McCain's deputy include former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, independent Senator Joe Lieberman and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.

According to sources from his campaign, McCain and his to-be-announced running mate will tour three "battleground states" this weekend, with large-scale rallies planned for Ohio, Pennsylvania and Missouri.

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2008)