According to a report by Newsmax, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) is now the leading candidate to be presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump’s running mate.
Trump has tapped former presidential contender Ben Carson to help pick his running mate. Carson said Tuesday that he is stepping down from that post to focus on the Thursday meeting between Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan. Trump also announced this week that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will head his transition team.
Trump is said to favor Gingrich for several reasons.
First, Trump recognizes he is a Washington neophyte and sees in Gingrich someone who can school him in the legislative process and “make nice” with Capitol Hill.
The report by political columnist John Gizzi states that Dr. Ben Carson has been selected to help pick the VP choice. But Carson has stepped aside from that role to assist with preparations for Thursday morning’s meeting between Trump and Republican congressional leaders.
The report also suggests that Trump considered both U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, but has passed on them both. Gingrich was asked about the speculation by FOX News host Sean Hannity, and confirmed he would consider the job, if offered.
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