My own prediction is that this is an attempt to assign hero status to Ridge so that he can replace Cheney in the next election OR just after [if Bush wins again]. BTW, none of the PA people that I know were cheering Ridge's selection as Veep in the last election.
I completely agree with your post. During Bush's speech, his announcement of Ridge's appointment to a newly expanded governmental position had me jumping to my feet --- and it was not a positive jump!
Set aside his pro-abortion stance --- the Catholics can battle over that one. We'll see if Ridge's PA fans will still be fans when they realize they were left paying the bills for sports stadiums, pension plans, etc. for years to come.
He has apparently benefited from his continual sell-outs purely for resume' enhancements. There are some politicians who are still just politicians, whether an "R" or a "D".