SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Amid growing speculation on his choice of a running mate, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama plans a return to the city where he launched his campaign.

Obama's campaign says he plans an appearance Saturday in Springfield, Illinois.

The Illinois Democrat kicked off his bid early last year in Springfield in front of the former Capitol.

Obama likely will have made his choice of running mate by the time he returns to Springfield. There was no word today on whether his pick will appear with him.

The list of potential running mates is widely believed to be down to four names: Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Senator Foreign Relations Chairman Joseph Biden and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh.

The Democratic National Convention is set to begin next Monday.

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