Clarifying once again his comment that his presence on the GOP presidential ticket would have changed the dynamic of the race in Pennsylvania, former Gov. Tom Ridge issued a statement late Friday saying his words had been taken "completely out of context."

"I was asked a question, and I delivered an honest answer that was taken completely out of context," Ridge said. "I wholeheartedly believe that John McCain made the right choice by selecting Sarah Palin to join him on the ticket. As a former two-time Governor of Pennsylvania, I was simply making the point that, of course, the dynamics of the race in PA would be different if the former governor of PA were on the ticket."

The statement continued: "The dynamics of the race would be different in Florida if Governor Crist were on the ticket. Or Minnesota if Pawlenty had been selected. That's a given. I have stated many times, as I did today, that I believe John made an excellent choice and that Governor Palin will make a great Vice President. I have witnessed firsthand the excitement she has generated in Pennsylvania and throughout America and I believe she will help deliver our Commonwealth's 21 electoral votes to our GOP ticket this November 4th."