Hello, I’m Heather and this is TKNN Reports. Today, we focus on the veepstakes.
First, we take a look at our TKNN Reports Electoral College Score Keeper.
Now, there are quite a few people being vetted seriously. What we intend to do today is introduce you to them and what they bring to the table. The running mate is one of the most important decisions the candidate makes. Now, looking at the campaign shows several possible contenders. How do we make our guesses, by looking at the people Mitt Romney brings on the road. Mitt Romney has made a habit of bringing possible contenders to campaign events. By looking at that, you put together Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Sen. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, and New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte. You might also be able to put in Rep. Paul Ryan, but he hasn’t gone out as much as everybody else. Real Clear Politics is reporting that the short list is down to four contenders, Governor Pawlenty, Ohio Senator Rob Portman, Rep. Ryan, and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Now, we also look at Mr. and Mrs. Romney themselves. Today, Ann Romney said she would like a woman, and the campaign is looking at women. While Governor Romney has said that Sen. Rubio is being vetted. However, some say the governor was being polite when saying that. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer is saying that Sen. Portman, former Governor Pawlenty, and Sen. John Thune of South Dakota. Now we begin with the one person that keeps coming up, Governor Tim Pawlenty.
Governor Pawlenty made a run at the Presidency this cycle, but after finishing third in the Ames Straw Poll, he withdrew. He endorsed Mitt Romney and became a national co-chair of the campaign, often going out to speak on behalf of him. He also a surrogate for the campaign.
Senator Rob Portman is another contender frequently mentioned. He is from the battleground state of Ohio, where polls show Mitt Romney may need some help. He’s smart, worked on the budget, and has been building up his foreign policy credentials. His recent trip to Israel has built up his case to be the veep.
Now the other candidates frequently mentioned candidates you probably know. Mitt Romney can be expected to make the decision a bit before the convention which is in late August.
Remember to join us every week on TKNN Reports. Thank you.