Vetting begins for Burgum, former Governor, Ag Secretary Schafer explains the process
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is being vetted as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump.
Former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer is very familiar with the vetting process, having gone through it before becoming Secretary of Agriculture under President George W. Bush.
“It’s every single thing that you’ve done in your life back to 18-years-old.”
Schafer says the process starts with a call from the FBI.
“The weird thing of course is you get a call from the FBI which is never fun, because you’re going “Well what do they have? What do they have in their files that I don’t know about?” ”
He said the process goes through the entirety of your life, and it can be a nervous interview.
“It’s a nervous interview, because you don’t remember specifics from 20 years ago or 30 years ago.”
He says that they will likely interview Burgum’s political rivals and family, including his children and ex-wife.
“They’re going to interview Doug’s ex-wife for instance, and they’re going to interview his kids.”
“You know, you go through a divorce, and it’s always crummy, and you’re going to say something there.”
MSUM Political Science Professor Dr. Barbara Headrick says not to put too much stock into the vetting process as it can be unclear how many other candidates have been vetted.
“Presidential races are almost always all about the presidential candidates. VP only comes up if the VP does something that makes the President look bad for picking that person.”
One thing that she says could make Burgum intriguing to the Trump campaign is his loyalty to the former president.
“I think he made a really clear recognition of the limitations of his chances of getting the nomination, and the likelihood of Donald Trump getting the nomination. And since then things that Governor Burgum have done have continued to follow that line of “I will show Donald Trump I am a loyal soldier to him.””
Other potential candidates are also being vetted, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.
