Tim Walz, JB Pritzker dodge questions on potentially serving as Kamala Harris' running mate

WASHINGTON – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, both leading contenders to be Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, deflected questions Sunday about their potential candidacy.

Asked by CNN's Jake Tapper whether he has received vetting materials from the Harris campaign, Walz said he won't comment but that "being mentioned is certainly an honor."

The Midwest governor did say he'd do "what's in the best interest of the country" if offered the job and, asked a second time whether he would take the job, he said "we'll cross paths when we get there."

"Either way it's going to be a win, I'm just excited for the next 100 days," he said. Election Day is on Nov. 5, 100 days from Sunday.

Asked about his progressive record as governor – and whether it would help or hurt the Democratic ticket should he be selected to run as vice president – Walz joked: "What a monster! Kids are eating and having full bellies so they can go learn and women are making their own healthcare decisions."

Speaking with ABC News' Martha Raddatz, Pritzker similarly said he's "not going to talk about" whether he submitted vetting materials to the Harris campaign.

He said he did talk to Harris last week as "things were evolving" and that he "pledged to her that no matter what the outcome of this process that I'd be working hard for her and making sure that she wins in November. It's too important."

Pritzker and Walz are among a wide field of Democrats that Harris' campaign has requested information from as they consider their pick for a running mate. Other leading options include Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Harris is moving quickly to put together a team ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month as the presidential race recalibrates from the seismic shift at the top of the ticket. Last Sunday, President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee. By Monday, she had secured enough delegates to become the presumptive choice.

In the fall former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, will face off against Harris and her chosen running mate. She is expected to pick her vice presidential candidate by Aug. 7.

Harris' team is looking for a running mate who would best complement Harris as they seek to unite enough voters to beat Trump – likely someone from a battleground state, or someone who can appeal to rural, moderate, or Rust Belt voters.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Walz, Pritzker dodge questions on serving as Harris' running mate