Obama Is Said to Start Search for a Running Mate

With the long race for the Democratic presidential nomination nearing an end, front-runner Barack Obama has begun the search for a running mate, Democratic operatives say.

Among those who are expected to be on the Illinois senator's short list are Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Other names being dropped by pundits are Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, former Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn, Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.

One person many political observers don't think will be a likely choice: Sen. Obama's remaining rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, ...