Long Thompson Ponders Running Mate Decision

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(UNDATED) - Jill Long Thompson has about three weeks to make her first big decision as the democratic nominee for governor: who her running mate should be.

Thompson says she's looking for the person best qualified to take over as governor if necessary, but says geography will be a consideration too. "I'm from the northern part of the state, so I think it's important to have not necessarily someone who's from Southern Indiana, but someone who has experience in Southern Indiana," Thompson says.

Thompson's not offering any names, and turned aside a question about the possibility of primary rival Jim Schellinger joining the ticket, saying only that she's considering "a wide range of individuals."

Three of the last eight lieutenant-governor nominees -- Democrat Kathy Davis in 2004 and Republicans Bob Green in 1992 and George Witwer in 1996 -- had never been elected to anything.

Thompson doesn't rule out making it four. Three others -- Democrat Frank O'Bannon, Republican Murray Clark, and current Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman -- joined their party's ticket from the state senate.

Thompson must make her choice by June 18, the deadline for candidates to file for consideration at the Democrats' June 21 convention. The convention must formally vote on the choice, and other candidates could file, but would face all but insurmountable odds without the nominee's endorsement.

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