Washington, Aug. 19: Presumptive Democrat presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama is likely to announce his running mate by the end of this week, perhaps as soon as Wednesday morning, the New York Times quoted his aides, as saying.

Aides said perhaps a half-dozen advisers were involved in the final discussions in an effort to enforce a command that Obama issued to staff members: that his decision not leak out until supporters are notified.

Obama is reportedly focused on three candidates: Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, Govenor Tim Kaine of Virginia and Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware.

Others in the race could be Hillary Clinton and Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas.

By all indications, Obama is likely to choose someone relatively safe and avoid taking a chance with a game-changing selection.

Obama’s advisers said he all but reached his decision while on vacation in Hawaii.

If all goes according to plan, the announcement will be made with text and e-mail messages to supporters early in the morning, in time to capture coverage on the morning news shows and take advantage of a full day’s news cycle.

Obama is looking to build excitement going into the convention. (ANI)