By JONATHAN J. COOPER (Associated Press)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to publicly announce the person who will run with him as vice president for his independent presidential campaign on March 26 in Oakland, California, according to his campaign's statement on Tuesday.
The campaign didn't specify Kennedy's pick, but he mentioned to The New York Times that NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura are leading candidates.
Kennedy is making the announcement early due to ballot access regulations in many states, which mandate that independent candidates name their vice presidential choices before starting the process. Securing ballot access for independent candidates is a costly and time-consuming task, with rules differing widely across states.
Kennedy's father was attorney general for his uncle, President John F. Kennedy. He initially launched his presidential campaign to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden, but later switched to running as an independent. His presidential bid, along with his support of conspiracy theories and stance on vaccines not backed by scientific agreement, have generated opposition from many of his well-known relatives.
Kennedy, a lawyer and environmental activist, has built a dedicated following among individuals who believe vaccines are dangerous. He has energized supporters who feel disconnected from the political system and are distrustful of the government, corporations, and media.
Candidates from outside the Republican and Democratic parties usually do not attract much attention, if they manage to get on the ballot at all. However, third-party candidates typically do not have a famous last name like Kennedy's or his existing support network.
Rodgers, the long-serving Green Bay Packers quarterback now with the New York Jets, shares Kennedy's skepticism of vaccine mandates, and like Kennedy, frequently appears on anti-establishment podcasts. Ventura, a former professional wrestler, surprised observers by winning the race for Minnesota governor as an independent candidate in 1998.
