Report: Kaine, Vilsack top Clinton’s VP list

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) are the leading contenders to be Hillary Clinton’s running mate, according to a new report.

The two have emerged as the front-runners on a shortlist including other candidates, The Washington Post said Tuesday.

{mosads}Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, has spoken highly of both men in recent days while discussing her pick with confidants, according to the report.

It added that Clinton remains undecided about her ultimate pick, however, and that several others remain on the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee’s radar.

Three Democrats familiar with Clinton’s plans said she expects to campaign with her running mate this Friday or Saturday in Florida, the newspaper added.

The campaign has only announced her stops there, which come just before the Democratic National Convention launches Monday in Philadelphia.

The Washington Post said President Obama has weighed in on Clinton’s search, though no sources detailed what advice he gave.

Obama discussed Vilsack and Labor Secretary Tom Perez, it said, both of whom serve on his Cabinet.

John Podesta, Clinton’s campaign chairman, is also leading the search for her running mate.

Podesta helped the former first lady meet face to face with some of the contenders last week, the report said, including Perez, Vilsack, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).

Clinton reportedly considers “experience” the most important quality in her running mate, the Post added.

Clinton is seeking a candidate she believes capable of stepping into the presidency, the report said, and one she can work closely with.