Julian Castro
Prediction Markets: 14 percent
Background:
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro remains on an ever-shrinking shortlist of those being considered as Hillary Clinton's running mate. Castro is seen as a young, vibrant and energetic potential candidate who could further cement the Latino vote. However, his experience poses some significant questions, and is far less than anyone else in the list. According to the Associated Press, Castro is among a select few who have been asked for "for reams of personal information" and is scheduled to interview with Clinton’s vetting team. Castro would bring a demographic balance to the Democratic ticket. A second-generation Mexican-American, Castro would be the first Hispanic vice president, and could could energize Latino voters and make history in the process. In October, Julian Castro took the stage at a Latinos for Hillary event, where he said in Spanish that “the difference between her and the Republican candidates is that she respects the Latino community.” Donald Trump has been under fire for repeatedly accusing U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is overseeing a lawsuit involving Trump University, of bias because of his Mexican heritage. However, it is important to note that Castro does not have a strong command of the Spanish language.
Castro, 41, is viewed as an ambitious and well-spoken young leader of the Democratic Party. While at HUD he has been focused on fighting racial discrimination and combatting smoking, two issues that plant him firmly in the center of Democrats. He gained national prominence when he gave the keynote address at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. However, his political resume is somewhat thin when compared to other potential candidates. Castro, who has two years in the Obama administration, was the mayor of San Antonio. However, San Antonio runs under the council-manager form of government which means, the city council appoints a city manager who handles the day-to-day operations of government rather than the mayor. According to National Review, Sheryl Sculley, San Antonio’s current city manager, will make $400,000 this year compared to the mayor who is paid about $4,000 annually. Castro lacks experience at the highest levels of government, and that is likely to be his biggest downfall. (Getty)