The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Albuquerque

Speculation about Barack Obama's vice presidential pick hit new heights as a report said he had all but settled on a number two and could reveal his choice as early as Wednesday.

The New York Times reported the presumptive Democratic nominee had not yet notified his selection, but was focusing mainly on Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and foreign policy expert Senator Joseph Biden.

Fresh buzz about Obama's intentions came as he sharpened his attacks against Republican rival John McCain, exactly a week before the Democratic nominating convention opens in Denver, Colorado.

The Times, in a report on its website, cited unnamed Obama advisers as saying he reached his decision last week while on vacation on Hawaii, and the campaign was readying an elaborate rollout for his selection.

The campaign has said Obama will first inform his grass roots network of supporters about the pick in an unprecedented email and text message blitz. He is then expected to launch a cross-country tour with his new sidekick.

The paper cited aides as saying the announcement would come at the earliest early on Wednesday, and no later than Friday.