Official notification from the Barack Obama campaign came in an e-mail shortly after 5 a.m. on Saturday morning.
The e-mail that was sent from the Obama campaign read: "I have some important news that I want to make official.
" I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.
" Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.
" I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.
" Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:
" Thanks for your support,
" Barack
" P.S. -- Make sure to turn on your TV at 2:00 p.m. Central Time to join us or watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com.
/*Joe Biden*/, who has twice sought the White House, is a Catholic with a generally liberal voting record and a reputation as a long-winded orator.
Across more than 30 years in the Senate, he has served at various times not only as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, but also as head of the Judiciary Committee, with its jurisdiction over anti-crime legislation and Constitutional issues.
Obama's campaign arranged a debut for the newly minted ticket on Saturday outside the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill.
The Democratic National Convention meets next week in Denver to hand Obama his long-sought presidential nomination, and then confirm Biden.
Biden slowly emerged as Obama's choice across a long day and night of political suspense as other contenders gradually fell away.
First Virginia Gov. /*Tim Kaine*/ let it be known that he had been ruled out. Then came word that Sen. /*Evan Bayh*/ of Indiana had also been passed over.
Several aides to former first lady /*Hillary Rodham Clinton*/ - who was Obama's closest rival for the presidential nomination - said they believed she also was out of contention. They added the Obama campaign had never requested financial or other records from her.
Despite passing over Clinton, Obama has gone to great lengths to gain the confidence of her primary voters, agreeing to allow her name to be placed in nomination and permitting a roll call vote.
Other finalists in the veep sweepstakes were Kansas Gov. /*Kathleen Sebelius*/ and Texas Rep. /*Chet Edwards*/.
Information from Assosciated Press wire reports was used for this story.
