Trump: I’m open to Cruz as VP

Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he would consider making Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) his running mate.

“I respect Ted,” he told host Bill O’Reilly on Fox News’ “The O’Reilly Factor.” “He was a very strong competitor. He really competed hard and tough.”

{mosads}“He’s certainly a capable guy,” the presumptive GOP presidential nominee added. “It’s something we can think about.”

Trump defeated Cruz in Tuesday’s Indiana GOP presidential primary, making him the presumptive nominee.

Cruz suspended his Oval Office bid shortly afterward, saying that his results in the Hoosier State “foreclosed” his path to the Republican presidential nomination.

Trump on Wednesday said that he does not resent Cruz for their often bitter contest against each another.

“It’s an easy thing,” he said of the nominating process. “He said some things, and he made some things up, and he took some things that were said out of context.”

Reports emerged earlier on Wednesday that retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson would serve on a selection committee for finding Trump’s running mate.

Carson, another former GOP presidential candidate, will help Trump make his pick before the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July.

Trump on Wednesday said that Carson’s involvement stems from his reluctance in becoming the vice presidential nominee himself.

“I don’t think Ben’s looking at that,” he said. “He’s a friend of mine. He’s been so helpful. He’s a terrific guy.”

Trump additionally reiterated that he is also eyeing Gov. John Kasich (R-Ohio), who suspended his White House run earlier Wednesday.

“I would certainly consider him,” he said. “During the debates I’d always find myself talking to John. I’ve had a good relationship with him, so we’ll see how that turns out.

“I don’t want to talk too much about it as I am considering a couple of people. We do have a lot of candidates who would be very, very good.”