Democratic presidential contender John Kerry has named North Carolina Senator John Edwards to be his vice presidential running mate.
Senator Kerry announced his choice Tuesday, first in an e-mail to supporters, then at a campaign rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
At the rally, Mr. Kerry praised his running mate as a skilled politican who wants to help Americans struggling to reach the middle class.
He said Mr. Edwards shares his commitment to not only having a strong military but also building strong alliances overseas.
Senator Edwards competed against Mr. Kerry for the Democratic presidential nomination earlier this year. He won only one contest in the Democratic primaries, but impressed many with his energy and optimistic message.
The Kerry-Edwards team will be confirmed as the Democratic Party's presidential ticket at the party's national convention in Boston later this month.
Senator Edwards won only one contest in the Democratic primaries this year, defeating Senator Kerry in his native state of South Carolina.
But many Democrats were impressed with his energetic campaign style and his optimistic message and a recent poll put Senator Edwards at the top of the Democratic wish list for vice president.
In choosing Senator Edwards, Mr. Kerry bypassed other more senior Democrats including Missouri Congressman Richard Gephardt and Florida Senator Bob Graham.
The Kerry-Edwards team will be confirmed as the Democratic Party's presidential ticket at the national nominating convention in Boston later this month.