Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio remains atop the list of potential vice president rankings, edging a rising Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, according to the
National Journal Hotline’s latest assessment.
Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is expected to to announce his running mate choice in August, with the GOP convention starting later that month.
For now, Portman stays at No. 1, according to the Journal, as he heads to North Carolina, which is seen as a testing ground for potential vice presidential candidates.
“After opening Romney's Ohio campaign headquarters in Columbus this weekend, Portman will be the latest to travel to the Tar Heel State, headlining a Romney fundraiser and a separate political event in the coming days,” the Journal wrote.
The website has Pawlenty climbing the chart though, saying, "Pawlenty is getting more attention than conventional wisdom holds, according to our sources. He was once angling for a spot in Romney's Cabinet; now, he's sounding like he wants the job.”
Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan is also moving up, according to the analysis. The chairman of the House Budget Committee "makes more sense and may be closer to Romney than most people believe.”
Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida saw a slide in the Journal’s rankings.
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