Chris Christie 1 Of 3 Finalists For Trump’s ‘Attack Dog’ VP: Sources

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is among the top three finalists to join the Republican presidential ticket, party nominee Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal Tuesday. Other vice presidential finalists include House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

In an interview with the publication, the Republican nominee called Christie "an extraordinary warrior" and laid out the criteria that needs to be met for the job: "an attack dog" that has extensive government experience.

Plus, the pair need to have the right chemistry.

"You either have (chemistry) or you don’t. I clearly have it with Chris and Newt," he told the publication.

Trump is narrowing down between the three and is expected to announce his running mate during an event Friday, according to multiple sources including CNN and ABC news.

Christie's public schedule for Friday was not yet available as of Wednesday. A spokesperson from his office said that information is typically released the day before by 5 p.m. Trump's Friday schedule was not listed on his official website.

There is a chance the name could be released before the Friday event, sources say.

Since dropping out of the presidential race in February, the New Jersey governor has been one of Trump's strongest and most visible supporters — standing behind him (literally) during a much-mocked appearance with the leading candidate on Super Tuesday.

Over recent days, the candidate has been "trying out" his potential picks on the campaign trail.

Gingrich, in an interview with Fox News, said the process has been a "little bit like ‘The Apprentice'" — the reality TV show that earned Trump infamy for his signature phrase: "you're fired."

Christie campaigned alongside Trump Monday in Virginia. Pence appeared with Trump on Tuesday. Last week, Gingrich joined a Trump rally in Ohio.

Christie reportedly met Saturday with the attorney leading the effort to vet potential Trump running mates during a private meeting at an undisclosed location.

CNN, citing sources "familiar with the process" of Trump's VP selection, said while Christie has not heard from Trump about his decision or when he'll announce, "it's clearly serious. He's clearly in the final group."

Christie's debating skills and his executive experience are his most appealing traits in Trump's eyes, the source told the network.