RALEIGH, N.C. — The identity of John Kerry's running mate soon be revealed.

CNN reported Monday night that Kerry -- the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee -- is expected to announce his Vice Presidential selection Tuesday morning at a rally in Pittsburgh. The network also reported that the VP candidate will not be at the rally as part of an effort to keep the choice secret until the announcement has been made.

Sen. John Edwards is on the short list of candidates. Kerry reportedly is looking at Edwards, Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt, Florida Sen. Bob Graham and Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack.

But there could be a dark horse -- a fifth, yet unnamed person also is said to be in the running.

Local democrats said Monday that Edwards has what Kerry needs. Neither Kerry nor Edwards would discuss it.

WRAL spoke to Edwards' father around 7 p.m. Monday, and he said he had not heard anything.

Barbara Allen, the chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, said Edwards' ability to mix with all types of people makes him the perfect running mate.

Allen also said Kerry will have to win the South to win the presidency, another reason she believes Edwards may be a frontrunner.

"He's a great campaigner and would be a great person on the campaign trail for Kerry," Allen said. "He respects the intelligence of Kerry and respects him as a person and as a man, and I think they would totally complement each other."

All the potentiasl VP candidates have been asked to clear their calendars for the next few days. Edwards was in Boston on Monday, campaigning for Kerry.

Edwards is expected to be in Washington for Senate business on Tuesday.