Potential problems
Sen. Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination Thursday night with a lofty vision for the nation's future that is far easier to articulate than to accomplish. The next occupant of the White House will inherit

Obama is planning to visit states that have fewer electoral votes than Oklahoma — he's scheduled to go to Montana in the next week — but Oklahoma is considered one of the reddest of the states and not one likely to swing Democratic this year. The state hasn't backed a Democratic presidential nominee since 1968.

Henry's spokesman, Paul Sund, said Henry has talked to Obama campaign officials at the Democratic National Convention this week and would stay in contact after he leaves. Sund declined to assess the chances of landing a visit from the Democratic presidential nominee.

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes said several people, including Henry and University of Oklahoma President David Boren, have been working their associates to get Obama to the state.

The Arizona senator is expected to appear with his running mate at an Ohio rally today, aides said, though they provided no details on McCain's pick.

Others believed to be in contention for the vice president slot on the GOP ticket included former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who was meeting with donors throughout California, and Democrat-turned-independent Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who was vacationing on New York's Long Island.

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, too, was still a possibility, as was the idea that McCain would choose a dark horse.

Washington Bureau Writer Chris Casteel; The Associated Press