Romney Takes Lead in VP Derby

Insiders excited about Romney's fundraising talents, conservative cred
By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 30, 2008 1:43 PM CDT
Romney Takes Lead in VP Derby
Republican presidential hopeful, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Mitt Romney is today's top candidate to fill out John McCain’s ticket, Politico reports. The ex-Massachusetts governor has conservative cred, Michigan roots, fundraising chops—and not much chemistry with McCain. McCain hopes to wait out Barack Obama and see the Democratic ticket before announcing his choice, a play one staffer called a “bounce-mitigation strategy.”

Two other names near the top of the list:

  • Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, seen as a backup to Romney should McCain balk at party leaders' choice.
  • Ex-Ohio congressman and White House budget director Rob Portman.
(More John McCain stories.)

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