Quote:

Jim Jackson said:

My wife and I both think that the deal's been made for Edwards to serve as Kerry's running mate.



Presidential Elections - AP

Kerry Begins Search for a Running Mate
Thu Mar 4, 2:42 AM ET

By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer

BOSTON - John Kerry, assured of the Democratic nomination, is exploring options for a running mate, from Southerners who can provide regional balance to those who can help highlight economic problems under President Bush.
AP - 30 minutes ago

To lead the search process, Kerry on Wednesday named Jim Johnson, a prominent Washington Democrat and former aide to Vice President Walter Mondale. Johnson is vice president of a merchant banking firm.

Kerry says he wants to keep the process private and won't "throw names around." He speaks from experience, having made Al Gore's short list in 2000 only to be passed over for Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Kerry has said he wants someone he gets along with who also would be capable of assuming the presidency. The Massachusetts senator will also be looking for someone with strengths that negate his weaknesses.

With 19 years in the Senate, Kerry may look outside Washington to governors such as Tom Vilsack of Iowa, Mark Warner of Virginia or Janet Napolitano of Arizona. A Rust Belt governor who can relate to the common man, such as Pennsylvania's Ed Rendell, could help offset Kerry's reputation for aloofness. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson could create excitement as the first Hispanic on a major party ticket.

Kerry may consider someone with economic experience to send a message of fiscal responsibility to Wall Street. Possibilities include Fannie Mae chairman and CEO Franklin Raines, who was President Clinton's budget director, or Robert Rubin, who was Clinton's Treasury secretary.

The Kerry campaign was vague about the timetable for a decision; vetting candidates often takes weeks. The benefit of a quick decision is a partner to help spread the message in competitive states, as well as to help raise money. The disadvantage is eliminating, early on, the one question mark that might keep the public captivated.

"No decisions have even been remotely made. It was important to him to start the process right away," said Kerry spokesman David Wade.

Kerry may look to a former rival who is an experienced campaigner with a built-in, fund-raising network. North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt and retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark all endorsed Kerry when they exited the race and have pledged to support him. Before Clark became a candidate, Kerry advisers said a ticket with the two decorated Vietnam War veterans could be a powerful force with a nation at war.

Kerry may be comfortable with a Democrat he's worked with in the Senate, particularly one who could give a regional or gender balance to the ticket. Possibilities include Sens. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Dianne Feinstein of California.

New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton repeatedly has said she intends to complete her term, which ends in 2006, but has not ruled out running for president in 2008 if Bush is re-elected. If Kerry is well-positioned to win the race this year, however, Clinton may find the ticket too attractive to pass up — if asked.

Florida, site of the contested recount in 2000 and a battleground state this year, offers two potential No. 2's — Sens. Bob Graham and Bill Nelson. Kerry campaigned Wednesday in Orlando, Fla., with both senators by his side.

Kerry exited his vehicle for a town hall meeting and was greeted by a throng of cheering supporters who clearly had the No. 2 spot on their minds.

"Pick Bob Graham!" yelled a man behind the rope line, referring to the state's senior senator who abandoned his own presidential bid last year. Graham is also retiring from the Senate when his term expires at the end of the year.

"Edwards!" responded another in the crowd.

Once inside, Graham gave a lengthy introduction full of praise for Kerry and condemnation for Bush.