Dayton, Aug 29 : Republican presidential candidate John McCain has named Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice-presidential running mate.

Fox and CNN said campaign sources confirmed the surprise choice of Palin, 44, just minutes away from the start of a rally here where the Republican will make the official announcement.

Sarah Palin, John McCain’s vice presidential pick and the first female governor of Alaska, is seen as a rising star within the Republican Party.