Although Kerry’s friend, James Johnson, coordinating the vetting of Kerry’s vice presidential candidates (hopefully more effectively than hevetted Geraldine Ferraro), is characterized as discreet, there are some tidbits in the article. The first four approaches were reportedly made to Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, Representative Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri, Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico and Gov. Thomas J. Vilsack of Iowa. It appears that Edwards has several strikes against him, however; not being a governor and not being from a crucial battleground state, and possibly Kerry’s envy. There is interesting specualtion about John McCain; despite his categorical denials that he would defect from the Republican Party, he is giving out mixed signals. A Kerry-Kerrey ticket has a nice ring to it, though… —New York Times