House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) issued the following statement Friday on Sen. John McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate:

"The selection of a vice presidential candidate is one of the most significant and telling decisions a presidential candidate can make.  

John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin raises serious questions about his judgment.  Why, when the country is fighting two wars, facing an uncertain economy and an energy crisis, did Senator McCain make the choice that he did? 

Why, with so many other qualified women and men in his party, did John McCain choose Sarah Palin?  Sarah Palin is not the right choice.  She shares John McCain's commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade and continuing George Bush's failed economic policies.

John McCain and Sarah Palin will not bring the American people the New Direction they need."