At a stop on his "Fighting for One America" bus tour Monday, Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards was asked whether, if chosen to be the nominee, he would consider tapping Democratic opponent Barack Obama as his vice presidential running mate.

"I am open minded about it, to answer your question," said the former senator from North Carolina. "I have made what, at least for now, would be a short list for me of people to consider, just as I've done the same thing for each cabinet position."

Democratic presidential long shot Bill Richardson insists he's "not interested" in the vice presidency but he refused yesterday to rule out the possibility of accepting the No. 2 slot.

Asked in a telephone interview with the Daily News Editorial Board how he responds to people who believe his presidential campaign is more aimed at securing the V.P. slot than the Oval Office, Richardson replied, "I tell 'em they're wrong."

"I'm not interested in that," Richardson declared. "If I don't get elected President, I'll come back to the best job in the world: governor of New Mexico.

So, Mr. Governor, does that mean you won't accept your party's nomination for vice president if you lose the nomination for President?

"I never preclude anything," he quickly replied. "But I am telling you that I'm not interested."