FACTBOX: Possible U.S. Republican vice presidential candidates

(Reuters) - Now that Republican John McCain has clinched his party's nomination for the November presidential election, the Arizona senator must choose a running mate.

Following is a list of Republican officials who have been mentioned as possible vice presidential candidates, in alphabetical order:

* Charlie Crist, 51 - The Florida governor helped McCain win the nomination with his endorsement and could help him in an important battleground state. But questions have circulated about his views on abortion.

* Mike Huckabee, 52 - Former Arkansas governor battled McCain for the party's presidential nomination and was the last major candidate to withdraw. The former preacher has strong support from the party's evangelical Christian base and is strong in the South.

* Bobby Jindal, 36 - Louisiana governor and the first Indian-American elected head of a U.S. state. The Oxford-educated conservative would add youth and diversity to the Republican ticket.

* Tim Pawlenty, 47 - Minnesota governor and an early and steadfast McCain supporter could help with a battleground state and also would appeal to social conservatives. He is not well-known on the national stage.

* Mitt Romney, 61 - Former Massachusetts governor lost the nomination to McCain. But Romney might have problems because of questions about his Mormon faith and because he once supported abortion rights.

* John Thune, 47 - Popular young senator from South Dakota would appeal to conservatives but McCain may not want to choose a senator as his running mate.

(Reporting by Deborah Charles and Peter Cooney)