Tipsters did what tipsters do, and they tipped us to a nascent House-based campaign to whip up support for Texas Rep. Chet Edwards as Barack Obama's running mate.

Pennsylvania Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz is leading the charge -- apparently independently of Edwards, whose name was first floated to Obama's veep vetters by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Schwartz is a rising star in Democratic circles -- and a frequent cable television surrogate for Obama -- whose district straddles northeast Philadelphia and some of its critical-in-November suburbs.

We obtained a copy of a letter Schwartz recently sent to the Obama campaign in support of Edwards. Here's some of what the second-termer had to say about the chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that deals with military construction and veterans issues:

"Both to win the election and to succeed in implementing Sen. Obama's bold ideas to meet the challenges before us, Congressman Edwards would be a tremendous asset ... He is principled, thoughtful, and he is deeply respected by his colleagues. Few have the credibility he has on veterans' issues. Few are as broadly admired within Congress ...

Certainly, Pennsylvania will be key to victory. Women, older voters, and suburban voters will all be necessary to achieve this win ... Chet Edwards would help Sen. Obama win in swing districts like mine and in states like Pennsylvania...

Chet Edwards  would provide strong support to the new administration by engaging Members of Congress to pass critical legislation: health care for all Americans; comprehensive energy policy; new tax policy; and an end to war in Iraq, bringing our troops home safely and responsibly..."

Her office declined to comment on the letter, but a spokeswoman echoed its sentiments by saying that Schwartz "believes that Chet Edwards is incredibly principled, widely respected within the House, and has a reputation for being a leader on the key issues facing America."

Edwards is a dark horse, for sure. But as Mel Brooks would tell fans of the spoof film Spaceballs, "Never underestimate the power of the Schwartz ..."

Former budget director/trade representative/congressman and frequent Veep mention Rob Portman says he expects that John McCain's campaign will wait as long as possible to name a running mate.

"My sense is that they are wisely waiting to see what the dynamics of the race are closer to our convention which will include knowing who Sen. Obama picks," Portman told me by phone as he traveled to a McCain event in Portsmouth, Ohio, yesterday. "I think that's smart to wait and have the best information possible."

He also said he can't handicap the field.

"I don't really know what their short list looks like or necessarily what their priorities are," he said.

Portman has been stumping for McCain across Ohio, a task that not only gives him face time with the presumed nominee but also allows him to build statewide contacts should he run for governor or senator in 2010.

He said McCain has a lot of good options and that he probably won't be the one to be number two.

"I appreciate being on some of the lists," Portman said. "I really don't think I'm going to be asked."

Portman backers note his handle on economic matters and his roots in the swing state of Ohio as plusses in the vice presidential calculus. But his ties to the Bush administration and limited reach outside his old Cincinnati district weigh against him.

Portman acknowledged that campaigning for McCain is giving him a chance to build better statewide contacts in preparation for a possible run in 2010, when Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland would be up for re-election and Republican Sen. George Voinovich is expected to retire.

Portman, who has kept his congressional fundraising committee open, acknowledged the secondary benefits of stumping for McCain should he choose to make a bid.

"It could be useful," he said. "I'm going to make a decision at the end of this year."

For now, he said, he is happy to be promoting McCain.

"I think he's the right person for this country in what is a tough time," Portman said.