Why did Roy Cooper pull out of VP shortlist? Kamala Harris' search for running mate hits a roadblock

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who is in the middle of his second term, has reportedly stepped down from the consideration to be Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.

President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race recently after a dismal debate performance against Donald Trump in June. He then endorsed Harris to replace him, the New York Post reported.

Roy Cooper drops out of race for Kamala Harris’ running mate

Roy Copper wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "I strongly support Vice President Harris’ campaign for President. I know she’s going to win and I was honored to be considered for this role."

He added, "This just wasn’t the right time for North Carolina and for me to potentially be on a national ticket. As I’ve said from the beginning, she has an outstanding list of people from which to choose, and we’ll all work to make sure she wins."

CNN was informed by a source that Cooper declined to be vetted when Harris' campaign aides approached him about it. It is said that he had worries about undergoing the procedure at the age of 67.

According to sources who spoke with The New York Times, Cooper was worried that Lt Gov Mark Robinson, a conservative Republican running for his seat this year, might file a lawsuit to take over his administrative authority while he was out of state.

Cooper and Harris have known each other since their days as state attorneys general, and they most recently ran campaigns together. In North Carolina, a battleground state, he has won the governor's race twice despite Donald Trump carrying the state in the presidential election.

Moreover, Cooper is not allowed to run for office a third time.

Kamala Harris to announce running mate in coming week 

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer revealed during an interview with CBS that Vice President Kamala Harris would announce her choice for a running mate within the "next six, seven days".

Whitmer said, "I would imagine we’ll know who her running mate is, and we’ll get ready for the convention."

Notably, the running mate's key contenders are Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

Mark Kelly is one of the most well-known senators, especially when it comes to gun regulation. Gabby Giffords, his wife, gained prominence as an advocate of stricter gun control when she was shot in 2011.

Moreover, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is renowned for his capable leadership, guiding the state through some challenges while continuously leaning Democratic. Walz is still a serious candidate even if his favorability rating is now lower than Kelly's.

Similarly, Josh Shapiro is yet another important figure. He was elected in 2022 and has since become a prominent figure in Pennsylvania politics. Before becoming the governor, he served as an Attorney General, which provided him with a great deal of expertise in addressing legal and administrative issues.

Notably, the potential of Harris's selected running mate to successfully oppose Donald Trump's former supporter, JD Vance, is the main concern of Harris' advisors.