Warner speech affects Obama VP selection

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Mark R. Warner's pick to give a Democratic Convention keynote speech has led to more speculation about Sen. Barack Obama's likely vice presidential choice.

The choice of the former Virginia governor for the speech makes it unlikely that current Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine will become Obama's running mate selection and give a speech on the following evening, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.

Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe focused only on Warner's background as a business executive in explaining his selection as a keynote speaker.

"Like Barack Obama, Mark Warner is not afraid to challenge the status quo to bring people together and get things moving," Plouffe said. "It's that kind of spirit and innovation that resulted in his selection as keynote speaker on a night when we will be discussing how to renew America's promise."