CAMPAIGN 2012

Romney: Rubio is Being Vetted for Vice Presidential Slot

The candidate tamps down two reports that suggest Rubio is off his list.

Updated: May 29, 2013 | 10:04 p.m.
June 19, 2012 | 6:44 p.m.

HOLLAND, Mich. -- Florida Sen. Marco Rubio abruptly returned to Mitt Romney's vice presidential short list Tuesday when the presumptive nominee himself said Rubio is being vetted.

Speculation about Rubio's fortunes dominated the punditocracy throughout the day after ABC News, and later The Washington Post, reported that the young GOP star was not in the mix at this point. By early evening, Romney had decided to weigh in.

“There are only two people in this country who know who are being vetted and who are not, and that's Beth Myers and myself, " he told reporters, referring to the close aide in charge of his vice presidential search. "I know Beth well. She doesn't talk to anybody. The story was entirely false. Marco Rubio is being thoroughly vetted as part of our process.”

Rubio's views on immigration have put Romney on the spot, but as a Cuban-American, he was widely viewed as a way for Republicans to work their way back into the good graces of some Hispanic voters. Rubio, who defeated moderate Charlie Crist in a 2010 GOP primary, is also popular among conservatives.

Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.


Leave A Comment
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus
Follow National Journal
Related Content
Most Read Articles
Columns
Major Garrett: All Powers

Obama’s Second-Term G-8 Dance Card: Judo With Putin, Trade, and Syria

June 18, 2013
The president returns to Berlin five years later less the rock star and more the battle-hardened pragmatist.
Josh Kraushaar: Against the Grain

Why Democrats Are Already Jumping Aboard the Hillary Clinton Bandwagon

June 18, 2013
Claire McCaskill's endorsement was a bow to reality: Democrats don't want to challenge Clinton in 2016.
Charlie Cook: Off to the Races

No Guarantee of a GOP Senate Majority

June 17, 2013
The disproportionate exposure for the chamber’s Democrats is very clear. But can Republicans capitalize on their opportunities?
More Columns »