PITTSBURGH - Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry has chosen former political rival North Carolina's Senator John Edwards, a man with "guts and determination and political skills", as his vice presidential running mate.

The choice of Edwards, 51, once picked by People magazine as one of America's sexiest politicians, brings a dash of fresh-faced charismatic appeal to a ticket headed by Kerry, who has been criticized for his leaden campaign style.

As a Southerner, the Kerry campaign hopes Edwards can appeal to voters in parts of the country where the Massachusetts senator was running behind President George W. Bush.

"I am pleased to announce, that with your help, the next vice president of the United States will be Senator John Edwards of North Carolina," Kerry told a rally in downtown Pittsburgh as a huge banner unfurled behind him that read, "Kerry-Edwards. A stronger America."

Kerry called Edwards, a first-term senator and millionaire trial lawyer, "a champion for middle class Americans". Although he won only one state during the Democratic primaries, Edwards received praise for his strong Populist campaign.

Edwards, who said in a statement he was "humbled by the offer - and thrilled to accept it," was not at the rally but joined Kerry later at his family farm outside Pittsburgh.

The two will a joint appearance on July 7 before heading to the battleground states of Ohio and Florida, and will campaign together until Sunday.

"I have chosen a man who understands and defends the values of America, a man who has shown courage and conviction ... a man who has shown guts, determination and political skills in his own race for the presidency," Kerry said.

Bush immediately welcomed Edwards to the campaign, saying: "The vice president (Dick Cheney) called him early this morning ... to say that he welcomed him to the race, as do I. I look forward to a good, spirited contest."

First choice

The Bush re-election campaign wasted no time attacking the Democratic ticket. "Senator Edwards delivers his pessimism with a Southern drawl and a smile, but his message of a divided America rings hollow with voters that know our country is united," said campaign spokesman Scott Stanzel.

The campaign also announced the release of a new television advertisement featuring what it said was Kerry's "first choice" as running mate, Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona. The Democrat courted his colleague and fellow Viet Nam veteran for the job but was rebuffed.

Kerry and Edwards will be formally anointed later this month at the Democratic convention in Boston as the party's challengers to Republicans Bush and Cheney in the November 2 election.

"I can't tell you how proud I am to have John Edwards on my team, or how eager I am for the day this fall when he stands up for our vision and goes toe-to-toe with Dick Cheney," Kerry said.

During his primary campaign against Kerry and other Democrats, Edwards stressed proposals aimed at helping working class Americans and made repeated references to the "two Americas" - one for the wealthy and one for those struggling to get by.

Despite the secretive selection process, a few names, including those of Edwards, Missouri Representative Richard Gephardt, Florida Senator Bob Graham and Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack had percolated to the top of the list of potential running mates.

(Agencies via Xinhua)