With each name announced for a speaking role at the Republican National Convention, Mitt Romney’s list of potential running mates seemingly gets shorter.
Now Jeb Bush, Mary Fallin and Rick Santorum can be crossed off the vice presidential list.
The former Florida governor had drawn some speculation that he would be picked by Romney but he was confirmed on Tuesday as a speaker in Tampa,
Fox News reported. Being tapped for a speaking role at the convention historically means a person will not end up as the vice presidential candidate.
Editor's Note: Who Do You Think Will Be Romney's Pick for VP? Vote Here!
Oklahoma Gov. Fallin too gained some support as a new face who could give Romney a boost, but was also considered an outsider for the role
Santorum, a former senator from Pennsylvania and presidential candidate, was never high on the list of speculated Romney running mates.
A former adviser told Fox News that Santorum accepted the invitation to speak at the Tampa convention, to be held Aug. 27-30.
"He is certainly looking forward to sharing with America the reasons President Obama must be defeated, and inspiring conservatives all across the country to help elect Mitt Romney," the adviser told Fox News.
Fox News said Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky will also speak.
Republicans have not yet announced the convention keynote speaker, a coveted spot that is most times used to highlight a rising political star. Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey has been mentioned as a possible candidate, but if he ends up as Romney’s choice for running mate would almost certainly be ruled out.
Seven major convention speakers were announced Sunday night. They include four sitting governors — Nikki Haley of South Carolina, Susana Martinez of New Mexico, Rick Scott of Florida, and John Kasich of Ohio — as well as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Arizona Sen. John McCain, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Now attention as Romney’s running mate can turn to those who have not been named to speak — a list that includes all the VP favorites: Christie, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, former Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, and Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana.
In addition, there are those expected to join Romney's upcoming bus tour, which begins Saturday in Virginia: Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia and Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio.
Editor's Note: Who Do You Think Will Be Romney's Pick for VP? Vote Here!
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