August 22, 2008 Congressman Chet Edwards potential Obama running mate Play video

(NECN: Greg Wayland) - Barack Obama is hours away from naming his running mate. And, there is news this afternoon that a little-known Texas congressman is emerging as a finalist.

Democratic officials say Chet Edwards was one of the few Democrats whose background was checked by Obama's campaign, and that he is a finalist for the job.

Click here to learn more about Chet Edwards.

Edwards is among a small circle of people mentioned, including Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware and Evan Bayh of Indiana.

Obama was to appear Saturday in Springfield, Ill., with his No. 2, and disclose the name to the world through a text message that could be sent at any time before that event.

*Material from the Associated Press used in this report*