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Richard Burr

Who is he? A two-term senator from North Carolina, he chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee.

The scuttlebutt: Talk-radio host Hugh Hewitt says Burr is under consideration: “I was tipped yesterday by sources close to Team Trump that Richard Burr was on their short list.” Burr denied any knowledge that he was being considered. “Every name that’s been floated up to this point is speculation,” he said. “I don’t think any of it—to my knowledge—has any credible nexus with the campaign.” He did not rule out serving, however, saying, “It’s not something that I’m even remotely concerned about.”

Pros: Burr is a veteran lawmaker and his intelligence experience might soothe Republicans wary of Trump’s lack of experience.

Cons: Burr doesn’t have a very high profile. He’s also locked in a tight reelection race, and according to state law would have to withdraw from the Senate race in order to run for vice president, which could in turn threaten to help Democrats pick up a seat.

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Joni Ernst

Who is she? A first-term senator and former lieutenant colonel in the National Guard, she became a conservative darling during her 2014 Senate campaign.

The scuttlebutt: Ernst met with Trump over the July 4 weekend, and The New York Times reports she is in the process of vetting as a running mate. She has reportedly already been given a prime speaking slot at the convention. But Ernst us signaling she is not interested, giving a strong but less-than-Shermanesque interview to Politico.

Pros: Ernst would be an asset to the Trump campaign in many ways. She’s younger, she’s female, she has unquestioned conservative bona fides, and she’s well-regarded by Republicans.

Cons: Ernst isn’t especially experienced in Washington, having only hit the national scene in 2014. She also might not be able to deliver her home state to Trump—polls there so far show him trailing by between 2 and 13 points.

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Michael Flynn

Who is he? A retired lieutenant general and former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, he’s been advising the Trump campaign.

The scuttlebutt: Trump has made noises about choosing a retired military officer to round out his ticket, and Flynn—who has been an adviser, and shares his anti-Muslim views—would be a logical choice. However, The Washington Post’s Robert Costa reports his star (or three stars?) are already fading.

Pros: Flynn is a general who would give Trump defense cred, and they’re simpatico on Islam.

Cons: Flynn is an unproven political quantity, and his initial steps haven’t been impressive. He’s a lifelong Democrat, and on ABC’s This Week, he voiced support for same-sex marriage and the right to abortion (though he tried to walk back the latter). He might even be too radical on Islam for Trump.

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Stanley McChrystal

Who is he? A retired Army general, McChrystal lost his post in charge of U.S. forces in Afghanistan after a Rolling Stone story quoted him trashing Vice President Joe Biden and other officials.