Yes, CNN jumped the gun. I heard the party chair being interviewed this morning, and he clearly refused to confirm the Mondale rumor. There CAN'T be an official choice yet because the DFL State Central Committee, which has the power to make the choice, hasn't met. I haven't heard anyone say when they WILL meet, but they must be notified at least 72 hours before the meeting occurs. And the committee has about 500 members--including at least one from each of the 87 counties, 2 from each of the 67 state senatorial districts, and more! (I got this info from the Constitution and Bylaws of the Minnesota DFL Party.) It seems very unlikely that a majority of them have even developed a definite opinion yet, let alone communicated that opinion to CNN or anyone else. I have failed to find a list of the members' names online.

I think it's probably true that the Wellstone sons and Mondale have made a private agreement, but no one can guarantee that the Committee will accept it. Mondale has said he won't comment until after the memorial service.