From CNN's Political Ticker...

June 17, 2008
Obama sidesteps question about Gore joining ticket
Posted: 04:27 PM ET

From CNN Political Producer Chris Welch, CNN's Rebecca Sinderbrand

TAYLOR, Michigan (CNN) – Could Barack Obama ask a former vice president to reprise his role on the Democratic ticket?

At a Michigan campaign event Tuesday, a student reporter asked the presumptive Democratic nominee if he would consider asking Al Gore to serve as his running mate.

Obama, who has kept mum on his vice presidential plans, sidestepped the question. "I have just started looking through possible candidates. I haven't made any decisions. I'm getting some recommendations,” said the Illinois senator. “Obviously Al Gore is a great public servant, he was a great vice president. He may not want to be vice president again, since he's already done that for eight years, but certainly he's somebody that I'll be getting advice from as we go forward and hopefully he'll help me when I'm president."

The 2000 Democratic presidential nominee, who officially endorsed Obama Monday, said in December that he might jump back into the political fray – but only in a bid for the top spot. A third term as vice president would mean Gore had spent more time in the office than anyone in U.S. history.