Scott Walker was chosen because he has been in presidential debates before. | Getty Exclusive: Here’s who’s playing Tim Kaine in GOP debate prep

In Mike Pence’s prep sessions for the vice-presidential debate, the role of Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) is being played by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a top GOP source told POLITICO on Saturday.

The first mock debate has already been held. Walker, who ended his GOP primary campaign in September, was chosen because he has been in presidential debates before, and because Kaine was Virginia governor.


Pence’s debate prep is being led by Marc Short, Nick Ayers and Josh Pitock — the same team that worked with him on his convention speech. Pence has relied on the same tight group since the vetting process began — one reason his operation has received high marks.

The Walker pick originated with Pence and his aides, not Trump Tower, according to a source close to Pence and confirmed by a campaign aide. The choice rested on Pence and Walker's personal rapport along with Walker's perceived debating skill, the source said. Walker was only enlisted for the role in the last two weeks.

One well-wired Republican called Walker a “great pick”: “Walker is basically the same as Kaine ... Both understated.”

The vice presidential debate will be Oct. 4 at Longwood University in Farmville, Va., moderated by Elaine Quijano of CBS News.

POLITICO’s Annie Karni revealed earlier Saturday that Robert Barnett, the D.C. super lawyer, is playing Mike Pence, Trump’s running mate, in Democratic debate prep.

Walker is a strong possibility to be the next chairman of the Republican Governors Association, although that is not yet set in stone, party sources said.

Matthew Nussbaum contributed to this report.