From Newport Beach to Washington?

Will Newport Beach soon be known as the home base of Vice President Christopher Cox?

That’s the question on some people’s minds this week as syndicated columnist Robert D. Novak, in an article Monday, said a number of conservative members of Congress are pushing for the former Newport Beach congressman as a running mate for Republican presidential candidate John McCain this year.

Novak didn’t specify which members of Congress are backing Cox for the vice presidential slot, but said his supporters favor him for his “stature in the conservative movement.” Cox, who served as a congressman for 16 years before stepping down in 2005, is now the chairman of President Bush’s Securities and Exchange Commission.

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at michael.miller@latimes.com.