Romney’s possible choices for vice president
A look at Mitt Romney's possible choices for a vice presidential running mate. Read related article.
East
Battleground states are labeled orange
Chris Christie
Endorsed Romney
Governer, New Jersey
His regular-guy manner makes him very popular. Despite his personality, it would still be tough for him to deliver a Democratic-leaning New Jersey.
South
Bobby Jindal
Governer, Louisiana
Very popular and conservative Indian-American governor viewed as a potential presidential candidate in the future.
Marco Rubio
U.S. Senator, Florida
Young, Hispanic and from a key swing state, Rubio is a favorite of the tea party, and could be a strong choice for the Romney presidential ticket.
Bob McDonnell
Governor, Virginia
A popular governor from an important new battleground, his gubernatorial message on jobs and the economy could help win in toss-up states.
Midwest
John Thune
U.S. Senator, South Dakota
He is good-looking and has an almost impeccable conservative reputation, but he may not be enthusiastic about taking on the vice presidency.
Tim Pawlenty
Former Governor, Minnesota
Very loyal but lacks charisma. He would be a safe pick but may not generate excitement for Romney among the GOP base or with independents.
Paul Ryan
U.S. Representative, Wisconsin
Although heavily courted to join the presidential contest, he turned it down. Beloved by the policy wonk side of the GOP, he may still not be interested in the race.
Mitch Daniels
Governor, Indiana
He has a national reputation for speaking uncomfortable truths on debt and spending issues. He could have been a presidential campaign favorite but decided not to run.
Rob Portman
U.S. Senator, Ohio
A safe pick who helped lead Romney's Ohio primary victory. He is an expert on budget matters but was part of the Bush administration, which ballooned national debt.
West
Susana Martinez
Governor, New Mexico
The first Hispanic female governor in the country, Martinez has issued a firm denial of any interest in being vice president. She is the guardian of a developmentally disabled sister and says it would be "devastating" to separate her from the rest of their family.
SOURCE: Staff reports. GRAPHIC: The Washington Post. Published March 30, 2012. Updated April 11, 2012.
With former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney installed as the Republican presidential nominee, Washington’s most famous political parlor game -- speculating about his vice presidential pick -- can get under way in earnest. Play the game
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