How are vice presidential candidates chosen?

Obviously, the party tries to choose someone who will help them win the election. This might be someone who can carry a big state that the candidate is weak in. It might be someone who is popular in an area or with a group of people who do not strongly favor the candidate. It might a person who has solid experience and might be attractive to independent voters. Good debating and campaigning skills are very valuable. There also may be political considerations within the party that need to be considered. If the nomination is hard-fought , it may be wise to offer the losing candidate the number two slot in order to ensure the strong support of his supporters in the upcoming campaign. Lately, the presidential candidate has had a great deal of influence in the choice of vice-presidential nominee.