ST PAUL, Minn. — It's being widely reported that Vice President Kamala Harris interviewed three finalists Sunday to serve as her running mate, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Walz also got a boost from the United Auto Workers union over the weekend.
"He's a teacher and that speaks volumes to a lot of people," said UAW Director of UAW Region 4 Brandon Campbell, which includes Minnesota. "Even people I don’t always agree with, just choosing that profession says something to me."
The UAW historically endorses democratic candidates, especially after he says Harris and Walz joined members on the picket lines, even as recently as last year when they went on strike against the Big Three automakers.
"We have to take a stand on things important to us and this is one of the most important things we can do in our life," said Campbell.
The UAW's President, Shawn Fain, officially endorsed Harris for president on Sunday and picked Walz and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear as his top two for her running mate.
"That's who we believe would be best for labor and working-class people, but that's her decision," said Fain.
Hamline University Political Science Professor David Schultz calls this election "unpredictable". He says most public opinion polls show that 40% of people usually don't know who the vice president is. Except this time, it may matter more.
"Generally people vote for the president, they don’t vote for the vice president, but in an election, where it’s going to come down to 150,000 votes across six swing states, moving very small numbers of people, maybe it matters in this election," said Schultz.
Walz wasn't on his short list but admits he's capturing the country's attention.
"If you were to go to downtown Manhattan, go to Los Angeles, and ask people what do you think of Tim Walz, my guess is people are going to say, who," said Schultz. "He's got to overcome that recognition type of issue and show he brings something to ticket and that's what I think Harris is doing this weekend."
The whirlwind process is expected to culminate on Monday when Harris could announce her pick ahead of their first public appearance on Tuesday.