In late 2007 early senior advisors to the Obama Campaign were front and center. Conference calls that included them were common.  As noted in the LA Times:

Almost every campaign tries to set expectations and impressions of itself quietly behind the scenes. A favorite tool is the conference call where a campaign puts its supporters or experts on the line with reporters from around the country.

Today was Barack Obama's turn. On the line was Tom Daschle, former Senate majority leader and National Obama co-chair, Ray Mabus, former Mississippi governor, and Rep. Russ Carnahan of Missouri, historically a bellwether state in presidential elections.

Recently, I have been thinking that Ray Mabus seems to fulfill many requirements I would want of a President, which I believe is the ultimate choice for a VP, after all.  He was an Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, governor of MS, is extremely popular, great on economic issues, and cleaned up the MS government as the State Auditor, as well.  Finally, he reminds me of Bill Clinton, which could help solidify the party.  Finally, a Southern VP just seems to make sense this year on many levels.

Trapper John, a prescient diarist on Daily Kos, seems to think it will be Tom Daschle.  Trapper John also lays down a good rationale why it won't be Tim Kaine, Evan Bayh, Sam Nunn, or Hillary Clinton.  He admits Sebelius is also a solid frontrunner.  I agree.   Here's the article, it's a great read.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/7/30/10502/7248

Finally, Carnahan is also an interersting thought.  His family name is huge in MO (his father was elected posthumously) and has a short but interesting resume in the House.  As we all know MO is of course, the bell-weather state, a huge swing state.

I was just very intrigued by reading this.  Let me know what you think.  The interesting thing is since all three are already part of the campaign they can be vetted rather inconspicuously.

Additional links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Mabus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russ_Carnahan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Daschle