Only Obama knows when VP will be announced

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Sen. Barack Obama should be announcing his running mate for the Democratic bid to win the U.S. presidency soon, but just when is anyone's guess, aides say.

The Illinois senator has all but settled on his vice presidential choice and has begun setting up a rollout plan, campaign aides said Tuesday. That includes e-mail and text alerts to supporters that could come as early as Wednesday, The New York Times reported.

Political observers told The Washington Post that Obama could wait until the weekend to announce his choice, benefiting from media coverage just before the party convention opens in Denver.

A campaign insider told Crain's Chicago Business that Obama is considering holding a rally Saturday in Springfield, Ill., to announce his choice. Obama kicked off his presidential campaign in the Illinois state capital a year and a half ago.

Another source told Crain's senior staffers were being notified of the rally.

As of late Monday, Obama had not notified his choice, nor those not selected, of his decision, the campaign told the Times. Heading into this week, the short list includes Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana, Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware.

The lone woman who has been considered could be Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. His primary rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, also was said to be under consideration earlier, but analysts say her selection would be unlikely, The Washington Post reported.