Republican, Veepstakes | featured news

Mitt Romney's strategist says no decision has been made about a running mate, but two top aides were named today to help shepherd the Republican's vice presidential pick. Kevin Sheridan, a former spokesman for the Republican Party, was named communications director for the vice presidential candidate. Randy Bumps, a former political director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, will serve as director of operations.

As Mitt Romney prepares to unveil his vice-presidential selection, interviews with those inside and outside the campaign offered a glimpse into the scope of the three-month process.

Mitt Romney has embraced Tim Pawlenty, seeking his advice about running against President Obama and dispatching him to Republican events on his behalf.

As a presidential hopeful, Tim Pawlenty won respect among GOP insiders, social conservatives and the tea party movement. Far from the first love of any faction, he quickly washed out as a candidate. Almost a year after he abandoned his White House bid, Pawlenty's reputation as being suitable but not a standout is actually fueling the speculation that the former Minnesota governor is a serious contender in Republican Mitt Romney's search for a running mate.

Leaks are springing. Trial balloons are floating. Egos are being stroked. Wanna-bes are auditioning. And, chances are, lies are being told... Why did Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire walk in a July Fourth parade with Romney? Why did Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and former Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota turn up in Ohio and Pennsylvania during President Barack Obama's Midwest bus trip? Why did Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio write a Cleveland newspaper column criticizing the president's policies just as Obama headed for the state?

Mitt Romney's wife has confirmed a tidbit about the vice presidential search process her husband largely has been keeping secret: He's considering choosing a woman. "We've been looking at that, and I love that option as well," Ann Romney told CBS News in a joint interview with her husband that was broadcast Thursday. She added: "There's a lot of people that Mitt is considering right now."

Condoleezza Rice is not interested in being Mitt Romney's running mate. In an interview with "CBS This Morning," the former secretary of state said, "There is no way that I will do this," when asked if she would accept a position as the No. 2 on this year's Republican presidential ticket.

Mitt Romney told reporters in Michigan that Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is being looked at as his possible running mate, adding that a news story out earlier today that the Tea Party favorite was not being vetted was "entirely false." "Marco Rubio is being thoroughly vetted as part of our process," Romney said.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush on Thursday ruled out any chance he will be the Republican Party's vice presidential nominee this year and suggested he might have missed his best chance to run for president.

Mitt Romney's vice presidential search has entered a new phase: auditions. As his campaign evaluates potential running mates, Republicans with a possible shot at the No. 2 spot on the presidential ticket are starting to engage in unofficial public tryouts for the traditional vice presidential role of attack dog.