Illinois Senator Barack Obama has selected Delaware Senator Joe Biden to be his Vice Presidential Running Mate. While the suspense was maintained until nearly the last minute, Biden had been the frontrunner all week according to Rasmussen Markets data.

Immediately prior to his selection, the Delaware Democrat was viewed favorably by 43% of voters nationwide, unfavorably by 38%. Other than Hillary Clinton, Biden is better known than any other names floated recently as prospective running mates. He is seen as politically liberal by 41%, moderate by 22%, and conservative by 15%. Those figures could shift in the coming weeks as voters across the nation get to know the Democrats Vice Presidential nominee.

This afternoon Rasmussen Reports will be asking voters nationwide if Obama made the right choice and other reaction to his decision. Results will be available Saturday evening Eastern Time. Sign up for our free daily e-mail update and we’ll notify you as soon as the results come in!

While the impact of Vice Presidential picks on election outcomes is almost always overrated, Biden brings to the ticket vast experience in the ways of Washington and a Roman Catholic faith, both of which are thought to shore up weaknesses faced by Obama. Biden also has a tragic moment in his personal history—his wife and infant daughter were killed in a car accident shortly after Biden was first elected to the U.S. Senate. Biden has also run for President twice himself, in 1988 and in 2008.

Biden is currently viewed favorably by 65% of Democrats, 22% of Republicans, and 42% of those not affiliated with either major party (see full demographic crosstabs for Biden and other VP prospects).

Fifty-four percent (54%) of Republicans view Biden as politically liberal, a view shared by 31% of Democrats and 43% of unaffiliated voters.

Twenty-nine percent (29%) of Democrats view Biden as politically moderate. So do 15% of unaffiliated voters and 11% of Republicans (see crosstabs).

As you would expect from someone with 36 years in the Senate, Biden has quite a paper trail and some statements he certainly wished he hadn’t made. Some believe he is prone to gaffes and overstatement. The McCain campaign has already released an ad this morning features quotes from Biden saying Obama is not ready for the job and that “I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off.”

In June 2007, as the Presidential campaign was just getting started, Rasmussen Reports polling found that Biden was the only Democratic candidate with more core opposition than Hillary Clinton. Forty-seven percent (47%) said they definitely vote against Biden if he was on the ballot for President in 2008. At that time, 46% said they would definitely vote against Clinton, 42% would definitely vote against John McCain, and 40% would definitely vote against Obama.