Clinton possibly eyes HUD's Castro as VP after endorsement

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton won a major endorsement from Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, fueling further speculation the rising star in the Democratic party could be Clinton's pick for vice president.

Castro, the former mayor of San Antonio, said he and the former secretary of state have had a long relationship. In his endorsement Thursday, Castro said, "I know that she appeals to Americans of all backgrounds and colors, different perspectives and walks of life."

Castro, 41, remains coy about his chances of being put on the ticket should Clinton win the nomination, saying he "doubts that's going to happen." Clinton said she is "going to really look hard at him for anything because that's how good he is."

Other names that have surfaced as Clinton's possible picks include Martin O'Malley, the former Maryland governor who is seeking the presidential nomination himself, and Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.

The question about Clinton's possible running mate for the 2016 election comes as Vice President Joe Biden continues to consider a bid for president. This week, Biden made a series of calls to Democratic strategists in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Analysts say he will make a decision in the coming days.