Kerry VP Vetting Underway

Democrat John Kerry's campaign has begun background checks of top running mate prospects, including Dick Gephardt, John Edwards and Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, while other hopefuls anxiously await word that they're worthy of a Washington "vetting."

Several Democratic officials familiar with the selection process said Wednesday that background checks have been under way for several weeks. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said individuals other than Gephardt, Edwards and Vilsack are under consideration, but they would not identify them — nor say how many there were.

The candidates are known only by Kerry, a handful of advisers and a team of lawyers conducting background checks that are described as unusually thorough.

Gephardt, a Missouri congressman, and Edwards, a North Carolina senator, challenged Kerry for the Democratic nomination. Vilsack is an two-term governor whose wife, Christie, helped Kerry to a surprise win in the Iowa caucuses.

A senior Iowa Democrat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Vilsack has submitted financial information to Kerry's search team and has been told to expect a more thorough review — called "vetting" in Washington parlance.

The man heading the search, Jim Johnson, has spoken with dozens of party leaders about the process and prospects. Officials who have talked to Johnson said he has expressed interest in Vilsack along with others, including Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana and former Sens. Bob Kerrey of Nebraska and Sam Nunn of Georgia.

Judging by the cases of Gephardt, Edwards and Vilsack, the selection process may be farther along than previously thought. Still, campaign officials said Kerry will not make his choice anytime soon.

"There is certainly a good argument for waiting — to bring an element of excitement into the presidential convention in July," said Anita Dunn, a Democratic strategist who does not work for Kerry.

"On the other hand, the White House has the luxury of sending Vice President Cheney out in the traditional role of attack dog while letting the president deliver a positive message, which forces Kerry to try to figure out who he's going to answer on a given day," Dunn said. "Kerry may want help."

Vice presidential "vetting" is a status symbol in Washington, so much so that politicians have been known to claim they're on the list even if they're not.

Gephardt, 63, is the former House Minority leader who began the Democratic race as a favorite to win Iowa's caucuses. He finished fourth behind Kerry, Edwards and former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean.

Many Democratic strategists consider Gephardt the safest choice because his life and career have been open to scrutiny for years. He is a favorite of organized labor, a disciplined campaigner and his home state, with 11 electoral votes and bellwether reputation, is critical in the White House race.

But some Democrats worry that it will be hard arguing for change with a ticket headed by two creatures of Congress. Neither Kerry, a four-term Massachusetts senator, nor Gephardt is thought to be electrifying on the stump.

That isn't Edwards' problem. The 50-year-old freshman senator spoke passionately about "two Americas" — one for the rich and powerful, the other for everybody else.

He is also an able fund-raiser, tapping millions from fellow trial lawyers for his own campaign before asking them to donate to Kerry. But his lack of experience may be a drawback in an election cycle dominated by war and terrorism.

With the utmost secrecy, Kerry's team has been reviewing financial records and other documents — even interviewing family members — of an undisclosed number of vice presidential prospects, officials said.

At least one of the candidates has been told no more information is needed, a signal that his background check may be complete, officials said.