US Elections 2016: Donald Trump short lists his Vice President pick to less than half a dozen

A week after becoming the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump on Wednesday shortlisted his vice presidential pick to less than half a dozen candidates, media reports said  even as the list of those saying no to being his running mate grew longer.

Trump himself has not indicated any potential names, except for saying that it has been shortlisted to 5-6 candidates. However, various media outlets predicted that the list includes former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Senators Joni Ernst from Iowa and Jeff Sessions from Alabama, and Indiana Governor Mike Pence.

Among other potential candidates in this list include New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Ohio Governor John Kasich, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and Florida Governor Rick Scott. Senator John Thune is also being talked about as potential vice presidential running mate for Trump.

Soon after emerging as the presumptive presidential nominee, Trump had said that he would like to have someone with great political experience as his running mate. Trump need not necessarily announce his running mate till the Republican convention in Cleveland in July. It is there that he will reveal the name of his deputy, ABC news reported.

Meanwhile, Florida Senator Marco Rubio joined the long list of Republicans who have said that they would not like to be considered as Trump's vice presidential running mate. Among others who have said so earlier include Indian-American South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Kasich and New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez.

Trump has said that those going public with 'no' have never been considered. 

It is only the people that were never asked to be VP that tell the press that they will not take the position.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2016