Mitt Romney's VP contenders
Rumors are swirling that Mitt Romney's vice president pick is coming soon. Check out the top contenders.
Rumors are swirling that Mitt Romney's vice president pick is coming as soon as next week. Check out the top contenders.
Rumors are swirling that Mitt Romney's vice president pick is coming as soon as next week. Check out the top contenders.
Rob Portman -- The GOP nominating convention is still weeks away, but Portman is currently the frontrunner among VP picks with his wide-ranging political background. The Ohio senator served seven terms in the House.
Tim Pawlenty -- The former Minnesota governor is considered a top pick with his evangelical religious beliefs, scandal-free political career and buttoned-down persona.
Marco Rubio -- At just 41, the Florida senator is considered a "young gun" in the Republican Party although his Cuban background could win points among Hispanics.
Condoleeza Rice -- George W. Bush's Secretary of State is making headlines as a potential choice again, but Rice has said repeatedly she is not interested in the job.
Bobby Jindal -- A rising GOP star, the first-term Louisiana governor suffered a setback when he bombed delivering the Republican response to Obama's first State of the Union in 2009. But he has executive and congressional experience, an inspiring life story and a likable persona.
Chris Christie -- The New Jersey governor has said he's not interested in the job, but recent reports suggest he's still a serious contender. Some worry his fiery personality would overshadow the more mild Romney.
Paul Ryan -- Buzz is growing around the frontman of the House Budget Committee, another "young gun" in the Republican Party, although he has no private sector experience.
Kelly Ayotte -- Romney's wife, Ann, recently hinted her husband may be weighing a female vice president, and Ayotte is a leading contender. The New Hampshire senator is a former prosecutor and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Bob McDonnell -- Now in his second term as Virginia governor, McDonnell boasts high approval ratings in a key swing state and a record of boosting jobs and cutting deficits.
Jeb Bush -- Interest in the former Florida governor is high, although he has said he doesn't want the job and his son recently told CNN his father is not being vetted.
John Thune -- This South Dakota senator has been a favorite in GOP circles for nearly a decade and is well-respected, but comes from a small conservative state.
Mitch Daniels -- The outgoing Indiana governor was among the top contenders for the VP job until he accepted a position as president of Purdue University.
Susana Martinez -- VP buzz around the New Mexico governor has died down in recent weeks, although she would definitely appeal to both female and Hispanic voters.
Scott Walker -- The controversial Wisconsin governor's name has been floated as a VP pick, especially after surviving a recall effort, but Walker said he's got too much to focus on in the Badger State at the moment.
Mike Huckabee -- The former Arkansas governor and 2008 presidential candidate seemed like a sure thing early on, but pundits suggest he's lost his appeal to other contenders in recent months.
Nikki Haley -- As South Carolina's first female governor, Haley was seen as a potential VP candidate but recently said she is not being vetted for the job.
