HILADELPHIA - Vice President Al Gore has narrowed his list of possible running mates to four candidates with four days remaining until he introduces his choice to the world, Gore campaign sources said yesterday.
Massachusetts Senator John F. Kerry remains under serious consideration, and as Kerry's record is being examined by Gore staffers, the Massachusetts Republican Party is searching its own files for ammunition that Governor George W. Bush's campaign could use against Kerry.
Besides Kerry, Connecticut Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, and North Carolina Senator John Edwards are on the short list as Gore ends a North Carolina beach vacation to return to the campaign trail in Chicago.
While some campaign officials have suggested that Gore is still eyeing Governor Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and House Democratic leader Richard A. Gephardt, sources acknowledged that Gephardt and Shaheen are not really in contention given their repeated and emphatically stated opposition to taking the job.
Gore, in an aside during a stroll on the beach, raised the possibility yesterday that a ''wild card'' candidate could still enter the mix. But almost as quickly he seemed to take it back: ''There are a couple of people who aren't on the great mentioners ... well, I don't know. The great mentioners have them all.''
Gore is said to be looking for a running mate in the New Democrat mold, one who will complement his own centrist views. Each of the four candidates on the short list generally shares Gore's outlook, though each comes with unique strengths and shortcomings as possible nominees:
Edwards, a trial lawyer, has held elective office for only 18 months. Against Dick Cheney, Bush's running mate, Republicans could argue that Edwards does not have the experience necessary to take over the presidency at a moment's notice - one of Gore's stated criteria.
Lieberman, an Orthodox Jew, does not work - or campaign - on Saturdays and religious holidays, such as Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, both observed during the prime of the fall calendar. And some Democrats have questioned whether the nation is yet open to a Jewish vice president.
Bayh is the first Democrat to represent Indiana in the Senate since his father was voted out in 1980. Evan Bayh has also served as Indiana governor and secretary of state. But he has made some Democratic constituencies nervous with his support for the ban on the so-called partial birth abortion procedure, and his desire to cut taxes and slash government spending.
Kerry, a decorated veteran of Vietnam, comes from Massachusetts, considered to be a liberal bastion. And because Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci is a Republican, a Kerry pick would mean the governor appoints his successor, altering the makeup of the Senate.
But Kerry is viewed within the Gore campaign as a talented campaigner and war hero who would provide a vigorous image in contrast to the avuncular Cheney. And a number of top Gore campaign officials have worked with Kerry on past campaigns, providing him with advocates in the vice president's inner circle.
Massachusetts Republicans are taking the Kerry candidacy seriously, compiling opposition research used in past campaigns and preparing it for Bush operatives.
''A lot of the bread and butter issues that people across America think are common sense, like cutting taxes, mandatory minimums for criminals, school choice in education, and a work requirement for welfare ... John Kerry opposes (them) all,'' said John Brockelman, executive director of the state party.
''He'd be a perfect choice for Al Gore. They have similar debating and campaign styles - they're willing to say anything to get elected,'' Brockelman continued.
Jim Jordan, a Kerry adviser, scoffed at Brockelman's assertions.
''The only thing the Massachusetts Republican Party knows is that he kicks their pathetic butts every six years,'' said Jordan. Kerry beat former governor William F. Weld by 52 to 45 percent in a combative race that received national attention.
Yesterday's list was notable not just for the names on it, but those left off. Former Maine senator George J. Mitchell apparently is no longer being considered. Neither, it would seem, is Iowa senator Tom Harkin, a populist who worked tirelessly for Gore during the primaries. And though Gore has designs on Florida this November, he apparently will campaign there without Senator Bob Graham as his running mate.
Then there are Shaheen and Gephardt; neither wants the job but both are being mentioned anyway.
The New Hampshire governor said in an interview that she would turn down the offer, if asked.
''It's very flattering to appear on that list,'' Shaheen said. But she said she is running for reelection and is more focused on making a difference for people in her state.
Laura Nichols, a spokesman for Gephardt, said the House minority leader still hopes to win a Democratic majority and become speaker of the House.
Gore plans to announce his running mate on Tuesday in Nashville.
Susan Milligan of the Globe Staff contributed to this report.
