US: The leading Democratic candidate for US President, Mr Howard Dean, has reportedly asked the former NATO commander, retired Gen Wesley Clark, to become his vice-presidential nominee.
The invitation raises the prospect of a "dream ticket" for many Democrats in 2004 - an anti-war candidate with a running-mate from the armed services.
However, the general might still decide to join the other nine Democratic candidates and make his own run for the White House. He is scheduled to make a speech at Iowa university on September 19th, when he is expected to announce his intentions.
The 33-year military veteran has for months been consulting potential campaign donors and strategists about a bid for the presidency.
Many observers feel he has left it too late for a solo run, as recent polls show that he is still virtually unknown to the American public.
He has been urged to go forward by a Clark-for-President website that has won pledges of $1 million. A Draft Clark organisation is broadcasting TV appeals in Iowa and New Hampshire - the first two battlegrounds of the election campaign - urging him to jump into the race.
Gen Clark declined to confirm that Mr Dean had asked him to join his campaign. Mr Dean's campaign manager said "we have made it clear we would welcome General Clark's support."
In the most recent poll in Iowa, where a caucus will kick off the presidential campaign on January 19th, Mr Dean is leading with 23 per cent over Congressman Dick Gephardt's 17 per cent and Senator John Kerry's 11 per cent.