Sen. Bond calls Biden too liberal

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Kit Bond says Barack Obama's choice of Sen. Joe Biden as a running mate makes the duo "the most liberal ticket ever" for Democratic Party.

The Missouri Republican on Monday called Biden a nice guy but said he will push for massive tax increases and government-run health care. Bold also criticized the Democratic running mates for opposing expanded offshore oil drilling.

Bond also pointed out that Biden said last year that Obama wasn't ready to be president. That was when Biden was still running against Obama for the party's nomination.

As for the Republican White House hopeful, Bond said John McCain would do well to pick a running mate who has experience as a governor. Bond likes Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney or Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour.