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

Tuesday

Will Tea Party Star Marco Rubio Get GOP VP Nod?

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., listens at left as Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks in Aston, Pa., in April. Republican leaders from Jeb Bush to John McCain have touted Rubio for vice president. Jae C. Hong/AP hide caption

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Jae C. Hong/AP

Will Tea Party Star Marco Rubio Get GOP VP Nod?

Among the Tea Party successes in the 2010 congressional elections was U.S. Sen. Mark Rubio of Florida. The Cuban-American is a plus for Republicans, a party that polls show has been losing ground with Hispanics.

Will Tea Party Star Marco Rubio Get GOP VP Nod?

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Monday

Longshot Rice Would Lift Romney 's Foreign Expertise

Condoleezza Rice says her dream job would be NFL Commissioner. Would she want a VP post instead? Ezra Shaw/Getty Images hide caption

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Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Longshot Rice Would Lift Romney 's Foreign Expertise

Condoleezza Rice has been floated as a possible running mate for the Republican presidential hopeful. The former secretary of state would boost Mitt Romney's foreign policy credentials, but says she's not interested in the job. Still, she wowed Romney donors earlier this summer.

Longshot Rice Would Lift Romney 's Foreign Expertise

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Saturday

Ayotte Would Add Youth, Conservatism As VP Choice

Vice President Joe Biden conducts a ceremonial swearing in for Ayotte as U.S. senator on Jan. 5, 2011, in the Capitol. With Ayotte are her husband and children. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP hide caption

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Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Ayotte Would Add Youth, Conservatism As VP Choice

New Hampshire Public Radio

That Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire is even being considered as Mitt Romney's running mate is somewhat remarkable. Her state has just four electoral votes, and Ayotte has been a U.S. senator for less than two years. But as Romney nears his choice, Ayotte remains in the discussion.

Ayotte Would Add Youth, Conservatism As VP Choice

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Sunday

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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Thursday

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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Tuesday

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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Sunday

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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Friday

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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Thursday

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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Ethan Miller/Getty Images

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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Wednesday

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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Mark Lyons/Getty Images

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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Wednesday

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.