Romney's VP Shortlist Takes Shape

4 candidates look likely, but don't count out Kelly Ayotte
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 5, 2012 12:50 PM CDT
Romney's VP Shortlist Takes Shape
Former Minnesota Governor and then-Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty speaks in New York.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Buzz surrounding Mitt Romney's VP pick is growing louder, and RealClearPolitics has narrowed it down to four candidates: Tim Pawlenty, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan. RCP doubts that a deliberative guy like Romney would make a pick out of left field, but Ann Romney today pointed to the possibility of a woman candidate, prompting the Hill to wonder whether New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte could get the job.

Ann tells CBS News that at least one woman is in the running, "and I’d love that option." RCP calls Ayotte, as well as Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, "wild cards." Romney probably has at least three key requirements for a running mate, writes Erin Pike: First, the person must be prepared for office. Secondly, the candidate must have good chemistry with the Romneys. Last, the running mate must be able to campaign without Romney around. Click through to see how the candidates measure up. (More Mitt Romney stories.)

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