Obama, McCain start process of choosing running mates

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

May 23, 2008

WASHINGTON - Barack Obama and John McCain have begun taking steps toward choosing their running mates, fresh signs that the Democratic nomination fight may be nearing an end and the presidential race is moving toward an Obama-McCain general election matchup.

McCain, the presumptive GOP candidate, will be getting better acquainted with three potential picks during a holiday gathering at his home this weekend, while Obama's team is still in the early stages of compiling background information on possible running mates.

Former Fannie Mae chief executive Jim Johnson is overseeing the early vetting for Obama, Democratic officials say; Johnson did the same job for Democratic nominees John Kerry in 2004 and Walter Mondale in 1984.

Many of the people Johnson checked for Kerry will be likely candidates for Obama's consideration. They include Obama's current rival for the nomination, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton; New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson; anti-war Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Kerry's eventual choice, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards.

Democratic officials who revealed Johnson's role spoke on a condition of anonymity because Obama has insisted that the process be kept quiet. Obama refused to acknowledge Johnson's role when The Associated Press asked the Illinois senator about it in the Capitol yesterday.

"I haven't hired him. He's not on retainer. I'm not paying him any money. He is a friend of mine. I know him," Obama said of Johnson, who has been a top fundraiser for his campaign. "I am not commenting on vice presidential matters because I have not won this nomination. "

McCain is hosting at least three Republicans mentioned as potential running mates at his Sedona, Ariz., home this weekend - Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. An aide said it's a social event with more than two dozen guests, and not meant for veep vetting.

Last month, McCain told reporters he was in the "embryonic stages" of the search with a list of about 20 names.

Obama is still engaged in a nomination campaign against Clinton, with three primaries left in Puerto Rico, South Dakota and Montana. The voting ends June 3.

Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson said Obama's vice presidential selection process "is clearly premature in that he is not yet the nominee. " He also said there had been no discussions with the Obama people about her becoming the Illinois senator's No. 2.

Yesterday, however, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated to reporters that she thought the timing was right for a veep search, even as she was careful not to play favorites.

"This election is right around the corner, and a new president will be sworn in in a matter of months," said the California Democrat.