Election 2012 Bondi and Rubio Seen as Among Romney's Possible VP Choices

Florida AG Pam Bondi

BRADENTON – Two Florida politicians have now turned up on the radar in Mitt Romney's veepstakes. Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio has been mentioned as a possible second in command since the day he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010, while Pam Bondi's recent exposure on the national stage has raised speculation that the Republican candidate might look to tap a female running mate with a history of strong opposition to President Obama's health care plan.

Florida's Attorney General was in New England this week campaigning for Romney, while he was abroad. According to reports, she made multiple stops to speak on the former Massachusetts governor's behalf. While Bondi would be seen as a long shot on the VP list, her involvement in the campaign has led to speculation that she might receive a prime-time speaking slot when the RNC comes to Tampa for its convention at the end of this month.

Former governor Jeb Bush, who has repeatedly said that he will not be Romney's running-mate, has confirmed that he has spoken with the presumptive Republican candidate and shared his support of Rubio, who he thinks would make a strong selection on the bottom half of the ticket. Other potential candidates who are seen as having a realistic chance of being selected include Representative Paul Ryan, former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.