Sources Name Those Atop Trump's List of Potential VPs

With rumors that Donald Trump could announce his running mate as early as next week, five anonymous sources "with knowledge of the process" tell the Washington Post that Newt Gingrich and Chris Christie are the leading contenders. They've reportedly been asked to answer more than 100 questions and submit tax records, articles they've written, and other personal files. They're being vetted by the same lawyer who vetted Sarah Palin in 2008. The Huffington Post notes Christie is already leading Trump's transition team and may also be working behind the scenes to drum up donations from GOP insiders hesitant to back Trump.

While both Christie and Gingrich have been relatively long-term Trump supporters, there are issues with both of them as running mates, the Guardian reports. Gingrich could clash with Trump's "outsider message," while Christie's time as governor of New Jersey has been beset with controversies. Other possible running mates being discussed by the Trump campaign include Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin. The campaign is reportedly looking for someone with a lot of political experience or who has a good relationship with the GOP establishment. They also need someone who can talk with Trump and "defend his nontraditional platform." (More Donald Trump stories.)