Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is emerging as the leading vice presidential candidate for presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie running a close second, according to news reports.
But more than a half-dozen other contenders remain in contention as the Trump campaign officially begins the vetting process,
The Washington Post reports, based on conversations with "five people with knowledge of the process."
These individuals "requested anonymity to discuss private conversations with campaign officials," according to the Post.
Those facing the most serious consideration — Gingrich and Christie, for instance — have been asked by attorney Arthur Culvahouse, Jr. to address more than 100 questions, the newspaper reports.
They also must provide personal and professional information, including tax records and any books or articles they have published.
Newsmax reported last month that Gingrich, the former Georgia representative who was speaker from 1995 to 1999,
was Trump's leading candidate. The report was based on information from a top confidante of the presumptive nominee.
Others being reviewed by Trump staffers include Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions and Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, the Post reports, along with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence — who is seeking re-election.
Culvahouse is a former White House counsel who vetted Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for the GOP vice presidential nomination during the 2008, according to the Post.
Hope Hicks, a Trump campaign spokeswoman, declined to comment to the Post, as did Gingrich.
Christie's office did not respond to an inquiry from the newspaper.
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