Bill Clinton has expressed support for Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine to serve as Hillary Clinton’s running mate as the presumptive Democratic nominee inches closer to a decision, the New York Times reported.
The former president believes that Kaine has the appropriate experience with domestic and national security issues needed to attract voters and prepare him for the presidency should he need to step in as commander in chief. Kaine has served on the Senate Armed Services Committee and was the former governor of Virginia.
Kaine and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack have emerged as Clinton’s top two presidential picks, CNN reported. The former secretary of state is expected to appear with her running mate for the first time Friday or Saturday at a rally in Florida.
"I don’t expect a decision is made or announced until the weekend between the convention," Kaine said Wednesday before the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
Clinton said on PBS Monday that she would "value experience and preparedness" over any other factor when choosing her vice president, according to the New York Times.
The former first lady will accept the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination during the convention in Philadelphia next week.