Arizona delegates to the Republican National Convention are saying they think John McCain's running mate will be pro-life, and that they wouldn't vote to nominate a vice presidential candidate who supported abortion.

Several prominently pro-life delegates with whom PolitickerAZ.com spoke expressed confidence the Arizona senator knew the risks inherent in choosing someone who didn't share their views.

"The life issue is the number one reason I'm involved in politics," said Milton Wheat, a delegate from the 4th Congressional District. He and his wife Peggy, an alternate delegate from the 4th, and strongly pro-life. "It's not the only reason," he said, "but it's what got me interested 25 years ago."

Wheat said he thought McCain would pick a vice presidential candidate who opposes abortion, but wouldn't vote for a pro-choice candidate if offered. When asked if he would vote to nominate Tom Ridge, the former Pennsylvania governor and pro-choicer who has been bandied as a possible VP pick, Wheat said, "No I would not."

Another delegate, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he would be surprised if McCain chose a pro-choice candidate.

"If it actually came to the floor, 70 or 80 percent of that room is pro-life," he said. "That's the base of the party. There's no reason for McCain to tear the scabs off the wounds."

McCain has been at odds with conservatives before, such as on the issue of illegal immigration. The delegate, who is also active in the pro-life community in Arizona, said, "I know the folks at Right to Life, and [McCain] would encounter organized opposition. That's a brick wall."

The delegate predicted McCain would pick a pro-life candidate, because "there's enough doubt about [Sen. Barack] Obama in the minds of independents and moderates that McCain doesn't have to take the chance."