WASHINGTON (AFP) — Caroline Kennedy, daughter of assassinated president John F. Kennedy, is part of a three-strong team searching for Democratic presumptive nominee Barack Obama's vice presidential pick.
The decision, the latest sign of the close ties between Obama and the storied Kennedy dynasty, was announced by the Illinois senator's campaign Wednesday, the day after he captured the Democratic White House nomination.
The team also includes former deputy attorney general Eric Holder and Jim Johnson, who performed the same function for former Democratic nominees Walter Mondale and John Kerry.
"Senator Obama is pleased to have three talented and dedicated individuals managing this rigorous process," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement.
"He will work closely with them in the coming weeks but ultimately this will be his decision and his alone."
The move came as speculation mounted over Obama's vanquished rival Hillary Clinton's prospects as a possible vice presidential nominee.
The former first lady said in a conversation with New York lawmakers on Tuesday that she would be open to serving on the Obama ticket if asked.
Other candidates frequently mentioned include Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, Senator Joseph Biden and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.
Caroline Kennedy has frequently campaigned for Obama, who has also received the dynasty's blessing from ailing patriarch Edward Kennedy. The liberal senator underwent surgery for brain cancer on Monday.
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