MINNEAPOLIS--U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave got an early tip that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin would be named John McCain's running mate -- even if she didn't realize it at the time.

During Musgrave's five-day visit to Alaska last month to tour the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Fort Morgan Republican was scheduled to have dinner with Palin just a few days before Palin was announced as McCain's vice presidential pick.

"And oddly enough she canceled on us," Musgrave told Colorado delegates to the Republican National Convention Thursday morning. "So you know, now I know what she was doing, I should've seen it coming.

"Obviously, she had gotten a way better offer," Musgrave said to laughter.