Vice President Kamala Harris has initiated the vetting process for selecting her running mate as she embarks on her presidential candidacy. With a compressed timeline following President Joe Biden's decision to step aside, Harris faces a crucial decision before the upcoming Democratic National Convention next month.
Harris aims to maintain a drama-free selection process as she and the Democratic Party seek to project confidence amidst recent party turmoil. While speculation has focused on several potential candidates, Harris's team has reached out to approximately a dozen officials for information, including individuals such as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Requests for information were sent out on Tuesday, with former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and his team at Covington & Burling leading the vetting process. Prospective candidates are typically required to provide financial records, details of past political positions, and undergo interviews to identify any potential concerns.
Among the names being considered are Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. The list also includes Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, with at least one individual not currently holding a government position.
During a recent rally, a Trump campaign spokesperson downplayed the significance of Harris's potential running mate, stating that the governors and senators under consideration are viewed as interchangeable.
The vetting process is underway as Harris navigates this critical decision that will shape her presidential campaign moving forward.
