Report: Obama sets veep rollout

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Likely Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama could announce his choice of a running mate as soon as mid-week, The New York Times said.

Citing Obama aides, the newspaper reported Monday night the announcement will be rolled out as soon as Wednesday, beginning with early morning e-mail and text messages to supporters, a step designed to ensure the announcement dominates the news cycle throughout the day.

Campaign advisers told the Times Obama all but decided on his choice during his vacation last week in Hawaii. They said a small group of advisers took part in the final deliberations and Obama had not yet notified his preferred running mate of his decision, nor had he notified anyone who had been considered but not selected.

Speculation in the media focused on three likely possible running mates -- Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine. Other names mentioned as potential running mates include New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Obama and his choice for running mate would likely embark on a campaign swing during the days leading up to their nomination next week at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.