Donald Trump says he’s narrowed his list of potential running mates to “five or six people,” all with extensive political backgrounds.
Among those on the shortlist is New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
“I have a list of people that I would like,” Trump told the Associated Press on Tuesday.
Trump won’t reveal who else is on the list, but said the decision to appoint Christie to head his White House transition team earlier this week does not mean Christie is out of the running for the VP slot.
The GOP presumptive nominee said he’s particularly interested in candidates with extensive political experience because he wants a vice president who can help him “with legislation, getting things through” Congress.
“We don’t need another business person,” said Trump.
Trump’s vice presidential choice is particularly important in this case because it could help ease tensions among some establishment Republicans worried about his lack of political experience.
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer are among those who’ve offered to join Trump’s ticket. Other Republicans, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, have publicly said they’re not interested.
“I have never sought, will not seek and do not want to be considered for vice president,” Rubio wrote in a Facebook post on Monday.
Trump’s campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, is running the vetting process along with a group of advisors which includes retired neurosurgeon and former Trump rival Ben Carson.
“Honestly, we’re all running it. It’s very much a group effort,” said Trump, adding, “I do think I don’t want to make a decision until the actual convention. Not even before it. I mean until it,” he said.