Kaine leads race to be Clinton running mate
WASHINGTON: Democrat Hillary Clinton was close on Friday to announcing a vice-presidential running mate, with US Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia leading a small group of contenders under consideration to help her do battle with Republican rival Donald Trump. Another senator, Cory Booker of New Jersey, along with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack were also among the final contenders, with Kaine having an edge, a Democratic source said.
Clinton’s campaign declined to comment. Clinton is expected to announce her running mate for the November 8 election through a text message or Twitter, possibly as early as Friday when she has two afternoon events scheduled in Florida. Clinton, a former secretary of state, will be formally nominated as the party’s presidential candidate at next week’s Democratic convention in Philadelphia. She leads Trump in many opinion polls. The former first lady’s choice of a running mate would provide a signal about her plan of battle against Trump and help give her campaign momentum as the fight for the White House enters a key stage.
Picking either Kaine or Vilsack, veteran mainstays of the Democratic establishment with plenty of governing experience, would emphasise Clinton’s message that Democrats will offer a serious, steady alternative to the unpredictable Trump after the chaotic Republican convention that closed on Thursday.
Booker, a charismatic rising star in the party, could give her candidacy a jolt of energy as Clinton enters the three-month grind of the general election. Booker, 47, would be the first black vice-president and could help boost turnout among young and African-American voters. — Reuters