Barack Obama named a three-person team to lead his search for a running mate. The team has already begun compiling information on potential running mates, although it disclosed none of their names.

JIM JOHNSON

The former chief executive officer for the mortgage lender Fannie Mae -- and University of Minnesota graduate and son of a prominent Minnesota politician -- is widely known for having helped previous Democratic presidential candidates find running mates, including John Kerry four years ago. Johnson's father, Alfred, was a longtime activist Farmer Laborite who became speaker of the Minnesota House and a member of the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents.

ERIC HOLDER

The former deputy attorney general and District of Columbia Superior Court judge held the No. 2 job at the Justice Department under President Bill Clinton.

Caroline Kennedy

The daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy is a surprise choice, although she endorsed Obama at a critical time in the campaign last winter, saying he could be an inspirational leader like her father. She also campaigned for Obama.

ASSOCIATED PRESS