AP Sources: Kaine emerges as favorite in Clinton's VP search

STERLING, Virginia (AP) — Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine has emerged as the leading contender to join the Democratic ticket as Hillary Clinton's running mate. That's according to two Democrats, who both cautioned that Clinton has not made a final decision and could yet change directions.


The announcement of Clinton's pick could come as early as Friday in Florida, a crucial battleground state.

The timing is aimed at shifting attention away from the end of the Republican convention and generating excitement for the start of Clinton's own convention in Philadelphia.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is still in the mix, according to one of the two Democrats. Both are familiar with the selection process and spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly.