UWM expert weighs in: Who will be Harris' VP pick?

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Some of the Democratic Party's top leaders are being vetted to be the running mate of Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. 

The possible list of options includes, but is not limited to, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. 

Mordecai Lee, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Professor Emeritus, says during the complex debate of who should become the pick, the answer could actually be very simple. 

“Anybody who wants to get elected president wants to win Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin," Lee said. “It’s just hard-nosed math.”

Lee explained that the Democrats will likely look to win as many electoral votes as possible. Of the important swing states, Pennsylvania has the most with 19, making Shapiro a choice that Lee believes is obvious. 

“If Harris is thinking, how do I mix things up, how do I gain an advantage by who I pick, and if she’s thinking about the electoral college, then she’s engaging in addition," Lee said. ‘When politicians want to win, they want to engage in addition."

Lee says politicians like Kelly and Walz wouldn't give Harris enough votes in their particular states to win the election in November. However, there are many strong candidates still being considered. 

“They’re all qualified to become president in case of an emergency," Lee said. "In that case, if all else is equal, then I’m going to pick the one who will help me get elected president.”

Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate early this week. The nominee will likely face off in a debate against Former President Donald Trump's running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, in the coming months. 

Kelly, Shapiro and Walz are expected to have in-person interviews with Harris in Washington D.C. on Sunday, according to multiple sources familiar with the planning. Harris is also having formal interviews with candidates who have not been confirmed in the media, both in person and virtually, according to a source familiar with the process.

CBS News reports that the Harris campaign has emphasized that no decision has been made yet. And officials downplayed that the selection of Philadelphia as the first scheduled rally with Harris and her running mate is any indication they're leaning towards a candidate.