Harris close to finalizing vice-presidential choice

WASHINGTON — US Vice-President Kamala Harris was expected to announce her running mate by Tuesday after conducting interviews with top contenders at her Washington home over the weekend, two sources with knowledge of the matter said.

Harris' decision could be announced at any time ahead of her first public appearance with the vice-presidential nominee on Tuesday in Philadelphia, before they start a cross-country tour across several battleground states, the sources said.

Harris closed out her search by interviewing three top candidates — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro — at her Naval Observatory residence in Washington on Sunday, the sources said.

She met with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for 90 minutes on Friday and was also meeting candidates virtually, the sources said. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker are the other candidates in contention for the job.

Harris' search for a running mate began in earnest just two weeks ago, shortly after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed her to replace him.

The choice of a running mate is one of the most consequential decisions of Harris' political career, as she hastily pulls together a campaign to challenge Donald Trump in November.

Harris' short list includes all white men with a record of winning over rural, white or independent voters.

The candidates will be informed on Monday night or Tuesday morning whether they are picked, the sources said.

Agencies via Xinhua