Walker as Trump's veep? The idea surprises Wisconsin governor

MADISON, Wis., April 12 (UPI) -- Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump mused on possible running mates and one, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, was surprised by his inclusion.

Trump is currently leading in the delegate count for the Republican nomination. He was asked about a potential vice presidential candidate Monday in a USA Today interview in New York.

"I like [Florida Sen.] Marco Rubio. Yeah, I could. There are people I have in mind in terms of vice president. I just haven't told anybody names. ... I do like Marco. I do like [Ohio Gov. John] Kasich. ... I like Walker actually in a lot of ways. I hit him very hard. ... but I've always liked him. There are people I like, but I don't think they like me because I have hit them hard."

Rubio and Walker are among those who Trump disparaged on the campaign trail, and who ended their quest for the nomination. Kasich is still pursuing the nomination.

Landing on Trump's vice presidential list came as a surprise to Walker, who was the target of particularly venomous comments by Trump prior to the April 5 Wisconsin primary. Walker endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who won the primary.

"I literally just heard it in the car and I said -- I laughed -- it's kind of interesting to hear that after the things that were said about me a couple weeks ago," Walker said in Madison, Wis., on Monday. "But I'm focused on being the governor of the state of Wisconsin."

Of the possibility of becoming Trump's running mate, Walker added, "That's not even on my radar and it certainly wouldn't be with -- I guess I was shocked more than anything to hear that. I can't even fathom that. Like I said, it's almost breathtaking that I was listed in the first place."

Asked whether he would run as a vice presidential candidate if Cruz was nominated, Walker evaded the question, saying, "To me, I think that's so far off. I think if you've got a contested convention, I don't know that anyone's going to get the pick. The delegates may pick the vice presidential running mate."