Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie reportedly top the list for Donald Trump’s running mate, according to The Washington Post.
Both Christie and Gingrich have been asked to submit documents for consideration, including tax returns—something Trump still has not released publicly—and copies of books they’ve written and have been asked by attorney Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr. to answer more than 100 questions, according to the Post.
Though both are favored, Gingrich has reportedly received the most support from the Trump camp, including Ben Carson.
Trump has been vocal about wanting to choose a running mate who is on the “inside” of DC politics. Both Christie and Gingrich bring that to table, as do the rest of his rumored shortlist including, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK), Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R).
Though Trump’s shortlist includes more than a half a dozen candidates, both Christie and Gingrich have been vocal supporters of Trump, with Christie joining him on several campaign stops. But both have remained mum on the veep prospects, with Gingrich telling “Fox News Sunday” that no one from the Trump campaign has reached out, and Christie’s camp not responding for comment. Trump’s spokeswoman Hope Hicks declined to comment to the Post.
The report notes that the vetting will have to wrap up fairly quickly, as traditionally vice presidential nominees are announced by the time of the party convention. The Trump camp could make the announcement by the end of next week.
Though Trump’s advisers will give their two-cents about who should get the spot, ultimately, it comes down to one person—Trump, a person involved in the vetting process told the Post.
“This is in his head,” the person said. “It’s up to him.”
How is the governor of New Jersey “inside DC politics”? (Except for hugging the outgoing president?)
I think this revelation brings the adage “The gift that keeps on giving” to new, unparalleled heights.
Rationally I can understand that Trump won’t say to himself, “For ticket-balancing purposes I need someone who’s arguably not a narcissistic clown.” I get that. That said—Gingrich. Wow. Just wow.
Wow!..A corrupt governor or a serial divorcee!
Well, neither can hurt the Trump/GOP brand.
God, what a bunch of incompetent losers.
Actually, my money was on the Alaskan pole dancer.