The Associated Press, among others, is reporting this morning that Barack Obama has asked former Fannie Mae CEO Jim Johnson to begin vetting potential vice presidential picks. The Senator hasn’t confirmed these reports; in fact he has repeatedly declined to discuss possible running mates before the end of primary season.

But with just 60 delegates needed to secure the Democratic nomination, anonymous Democratic officials are saying that he’s begun the search by engaging Johnson, who did a similar job for John Kerry in 2004 and Walter Mondale in 1984.

For a good breakdown of Obama’s probable criteria and choices, check out this article at the Huffington Post.