Donald Trump Says He's Culled His VP Shortlist to 5 or 6 People, Will Announce His Choice at Convention
— -- Donald Trump has revealed that he has culled his vice presidential shortlist to "five or six" choices.
During an interview with The Associated Press released today, Trump said that he has narrowed the list down, but did not reveal specific names, with one exception.
According to The AP report, Trump said that he has not ruled out New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, his onetime rival turned supporter.
"I have a list of people that I would like," Trump told The AP.
In an interview to air tonight on "The O'Reilly Factor," Trump expanded upon his comments.
“I like Chris a lot," he said. "I’m not going to say ruling in or out. I would say that I have in mind five different people. I think they are excellent. I’ll announce whoever it will be at the convention. I’d love to give you all five but I can’t, Bill. I don’t want to do that, Bill. It’s not even fair to you. It’s not fair to you.”
He added: “The way I always envisioned it is during the convention and I think that’s what I’m going to do.”
There has been speculation about other contenders.
According to ABC News reporting and analysis, top-tier contenders include Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Senators Joni Ernst from Iowa and Jeff Sessions from Alabama, and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
And less likely but still plausible names include Trump's former rivals, Governors Chris Christie and John Kasich. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Florida Gov. Rick Scott are also possible contenders, as well as Senators Tim Scott from South Carolina and John Thune from South Dakota.
For his part, Trump has been dropping hints about different qualities he would like in a vice president ever since he became the likely Republican nominee after Sen. Ted Cruz and Kasich suspended their campaigns last week.
Trump told "Good Morning America" that he would be picking a Republican and said that he "would like to go with somebody with great political experience."
