Kerry team running checks on possible VP choices

John F. Kerry's search for a running mate has moved into a more serious phase, with the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee beginning background checks on several candidates, including Representative Richard A. Gephardt, according to Democrats familiar with the vetting process.

Gephardt, the Missouri congressman who challenged Kerry for the nomination, has submitted papers and is undergoing a background check by Kerry lawyers, one Democrat in close contact with him said yesterday. The process has been underway for several weeks, the Democrat said.

Undergoing similar checks are Governor Tom Vilsack of Iowa, other Democrats told the Globe, and another former rival, Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, according to The Associated Press. Gephardt, Vilsack, and Edwards have been prominent on lists of potential running mates, lists that have also included governors Bill Richardson of New Mexico and Mark Warner of Virginia, as well as Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana.

Bayh was recently spotted exiting the Capitol with James A. Johnson, the Washington investment banker heading Kerry's search, after a fire alarm in the building. Both Bayh and Johnson have declined to speak publicly about their meeting.

Kerry has been steadfast in refusing to comment on the status of his search. On ''Meet the Press" two weeks ago, he would only promise an announcement before the Democratic National Convention in July in Boston.

Aides have said Kerry is in a consultation phase, sending Johnson to meet with various Democratic leaders and constituent groups to seek their suggestions. Kerry has also met privately with Edwards, Vilsack, Gephardt, and other possible candidates, including Senators Bob Graham and Bill Nelson of Florida and Governor Edward Rendell of Pennsylvania. Next week he is expected to travel through the Southwest, with perhaps a stop in Richardson's home state of New Mexico.

The 63-year-old Gephardt offers perhaps the safest choice for Kerry, since his lengthy congressional career has meant constant scrutiny of his life and politics. Edwards captivated crowds during his own presidential run with his poignant talk of ''two Americas," but he is ending his first and only term in elective politics and Kerry publicly questioned his electoral strength during the primaries.

Vilsack is a chief executive from the Midwest, which could balance the ticket for Kerry, and his steadfast support when the Massachusetts senator trailed in precaucus polls endeared him to Kerry. He lacks foreign policy experience, however, as does Edwards.

Glen Johnson can be reached at johnson@globe.com.