‘Shark Tank’ judge Kevin O’Leary backs Burgum in Trump veepstakes

Kevin O’Leary, one of the investors on the business competition show “Shark Tank,” waded into the conversation Saturday on whom former President Donald Trump will select as his running mate, giving a glowing endorsement of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. 

Mr. O’Leary said Mr. Burgum would make a “terrific choice” as vice president and recalled their long relationship of doing business in North Dakota. 

“He’s pro-business, he’s pro-growth, he’s pro-innovation, he’s pro-entrepreneur. You would want that in every state,” Mr. O’Leary told “Fox & Friends.” “I know this sounds crazy, but if you’re a Democrat right now listening to this, you want Doug Burgum as vice president.

“He’s not partisan in any way when it comes to building the American economy up. He works with both sides all the time. That’s how you get stuff done.”

Mr. Burgum is among a crowded field of candidates to join the ticket with the GOP’s presumptive nominee. Others include Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida, J.D. Vance of Ohio, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Tim Scott of South Carolina. 

Then there are Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida and Elise Stefanik of New York along with former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.

Mr. Trump has not let slip whom he will pick, but his campaign did request vetting documents from Mr. Rubio, Mr. Vance, Mr. Burgum and Mr. Scott last week. 

During a trip to Capitol Hill Friday to meet with House and Senate Republicans, Mr. Trump told Fox News that he would likely announce his running mate during the Republican National Committee’s convention in July. 

The nomination event in Milwaukee will run from July 15-18. 

While speculation swirls on the VP choice, Mr. O’Leary said of Mr. Burgum, “I don’t see that skill set proven in any other candidate. So, I’m unabashedly supporting someone I know in business is a phenomenal leader.”