US: Harris announces candidacy before touring battleground states
US: Vice President Kamala Harris could announce her running mate by Tuesday after interviewing top contenders at her Washington, D.C. residence over the weekend, two sources with knowledge of the matter said. Harris’ decision could be announced any time before her first public appearance with the vice presidential nominee in Philadelphia on Tuesday, before they begin a nationwide tour of several battleground states that could potentially decide the election, the sources said. Harris finalized her search by interviewing three top candidates – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Arizona U.S. Senator Mark Kelly and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro – at her Naval Observatory residence in Washington on Sunday, sources said. The vice president met with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for 90 minutes on Friday and also met with candidates virtually, sources said. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker are the other candidates vying for the post. Harris’s search for a running mate began just two weeks ago, when President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed her to replace him.
Selecting a running mate is one of the most important decisions of Harris’ political career, as she hastily builds a campaign to challenge Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 election.
Harris’ shortlist includes all white men with a record of winning rural, white or independent voters.
Over the weekend, Harris met with her vetting team, including former Attorney General Eric Holder, whose law firm Covington & Burling LLP investigated the finances and backgrounds of potential running mates. Holder and his office gave in-depth presentations on each finalist, according to multiple sources familiar with the process.
Harris is considering the decision with her husband Doug Emhoff, brother-in-law Tony West and a small group of aides and advisers, sources said.
Nominees will be notified Monday night or Tuesday morning if they have been selected, sources said.
The Harris campaign is also planning a social media announcement involving the two, campaign officials told Reuters.
