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The Veepstakes Potential running mate choices for Republican Mitt Romney.
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The Veepstakes

Does Sen. Thune Have The Right Stuff For Romney?

Mitt Romney gets a kick out of South Dakota Sen. John Thune's comments during a January rally in Dubuque, Iowa. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Does Sen. Thune Have The Right Stuff For Romney?

As Mitt Romney's campaign zeroes in on a No. 2 for the Republican presidential ticket, South Dakota Sen. John Thune could be a safe option. He's an experienced legislator with conservative credentials. Yet, like many of his fellow hopefuls, he's coy when it comes to VP talk.

Does Sen. Thune Have The Right Stuff For Romney?

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As A VP Option, Christie's Star May Burn Too Hot

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie greets Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in Des Moines, Iowa, on Dec. 30, 2011. Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

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Evan Vucci/AP

As A VP Option, Christie's Star May Burn Too Hot

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has been mentioned as a long-shot choice to be Mitt Romney's running mate. The first-term governor's brash style has earned him fans in the GOP. But critics say he could be a bit too outspoken to be No. 2 on the ticket.

As A VP Option, Christie's Star May Burn Too Hot

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Ryan Offers Romney Risk, Reward

Rep. Paul Ryan (left), R-Wis., and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney at a campaign stop in Appleton, Wis., on March 30. Steven Senne/AP hide caption

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Steven Senne/AP

Ryan Offers Romney Risk, Reward

Among those on Mitt Romney's list of potential running mates, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin has youth and experience. He's a conservative from a swing state, and he has big ideas and the policy chops to back them up. But the House Budget Committee chairman's fiscal ideas might cost Romney with independents.

Ryan Offers Romney Risk, Reward

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He's A Long Shot, But Don't Count Huckabee Out

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee delivers remarks to the Conservative Political Action Conference in February in Washington, D.C. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

He's A Long Shot, But Don't Count Huckabee Out

Putting Mike Huckabee on the GOP ticket this year as Mitt Romney's running mate could certainly liven up the presidential race. The former Arkansas governor is likable, experienced and even plays bass. But as someone who claims to focus on conversation, not confrontation, would he go on the attack for Romney?

He's A Long Shot, But Don't Count Huckabee Out

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Jindal's Story Intrigues, But Can It Get Him A VP Nod?

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal checks out damage off Grand Isle, La., from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in June 2010. Spencer Platt/Getty Images hide caption

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Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Jindal's Story Intrigues, But Can It Get Him A VP Nod?

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is an Indian-American with a compelling life story. At 41, he's already had a successful political career. He could also add some buzz to the GOP ticket. But his 2009 moment in the spotlight has some Republicans worrying whether he's ready to be vice president.

Jindal's Story Intrigues, But Can It Get Him A VP Nod?

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From Rival To Running Mate? Possible For Pawlenty

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney campaign in Las Vegas on Oct. 17, 2011. Ethan Miller/Getty Images hide caption

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From Rival To Running Mate? Possible For Pawlenty

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is the son of a truck driver, an evangelical Christian, a former presidential candidate, and for months now a loyal surrogate for Republican Mitt Romney. He's also considered a top contender to become Romney's pick for vice president.

From Rival To Running Mate? Possible For Pawlenty

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Portman A Low-Key Possibility For GOP Running Mate

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, campaigns with Mitt Romney in Cincinnati on Feb. 20. Mark Lyons/Getty Images hide caption

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Portman A Low-Key Possibility For GOP Running Mate

As the guessing game continues about Mitt Romney's choice of a vice presidential running mate, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman invariably comes up as a top contender. With a wealth of experience in Washington and beyond, the well-liked Portman would be considered a safe pick.

Portman A Low-Key Possibility For GOP Running Mate

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In Vice Presidential Buzz, Pawlenty Is Up While Rubio's Status Is Muddled

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney stands with former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty during a campaign stop Saturday in Cornwall, Pa. Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

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Evan Vucci/AP

It's All Politics

In Vice Presidential Buzz, Pawlenty Is Up While Rubio's Status Is Muddled

The contours of the Republican veepstakes have shifted this week. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's stock seems to be rising, while conflicting reports about whether Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is being vetted have muddied the waters. Here, a look at the potential contenders.

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