Barack Obama has begun his search for a
running mate as he closes in on the Democratic presidential nomination, CNN
reported Thursday, citing a party activist in Washington.
John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, is also narrowing down his
choices and plans to meet with three possible vice presidential options over
the weekend, The New York Times reported.
Obama has picked Jim Johnson, who also ran 2004 Democratic candidate John
Kerry's selection process, to begin screening potential candidates, according
to CNN.
Obama on Thursday said he remained focussed on winning the Democratic
nomination against Hillary Clinton, and his campaign would not comment on the
report.
The Illinois senator is less than 100 delegates from reaching the 2,025 total
needed to stand for his party in the November general election. Only three
primary contests are left, ending on June 3.
McCain, a senator from Arizona, will meet with former presidential candidate
Mitt Romney, Florida Governor Charlie Christ and Louisiana Governor Bobby
Jindal at his ranch in Arizona, the Times reported citing sources in the
Republican Party.
The picks of both Obama, 46, and McCain, 71, will be closely scrutinized. McCain's
advancing age gives him greater reason to choose a candidate viewed as capable
of taking over the top office.
Obama, who was elected to the US Senate in 2004, will be looking to make up for
a relative lack of inexperience, likely picking either a state governor or a
candidate with strong national security credentials, dpa reported.