- The Washington Times - Sunday, June 16, 2024

Sen. Tom Cotton said he would be open to the idea of being former President Donald Trump’s vice president, as the Republican National Convention — where the announcement is typically made — inches closer.

“I think, if the president asks you to serve in any capacity of our great nation, you would have to consider it,” the Arkansas Republican said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

“But I also know that there’s probably only one person who knows who’s on his short list,” Mr. Cotton said. “And I suspect the president will make a decision about his vice president when he’s ready. And it’ll be a good decision for him and the ticket, but, more importantly, a good decision for the country.”

When he was asked if he would say yes if Mr. Trump asked him, Mr. Cotton said he would “of course entertain” any position the former president offered him.

“But, right now, I’m very happy being a senator representing the people of Arkansas and working to elect President Trump and a majority of the Congress so we can begin to repair some of the damage that Joe Biden and the Democrats have inflicted over these last four years,” he said.

Mr. Cotton has reportedly risen in the short list, although there are still others whose names have been floated for the position, including Sens. J.D. Vance of Ohio, Marco Rubio of Florida and Tim Scott of South Carolina; Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York and Byron Donalds of Florida; North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum; and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.

Mr. Trump has said he will probably announce his running mate at the Republican National Convention, which will be held July 15-18 in Milwaukee.

• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.

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