S.D. Sen. John Thune on list of possible Romney running mates

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John Thune

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With the GOP primary contest essentially over, now begins one of Washington’s great mating rituals: the Dance of the Possible Vice Presidents. In which politicians who want the country’s second-highest office of trust must first prove that they can lie about it.

“I’ve made it clear I don’t want” the job, Sen. Joseph Biden said in 2008. “I’m satisfied where I am right now.”

“I have absolutely no desire to go back to government,” Richard Cheney, then an oil field company executive, said in 2000.

Both men later accepted the vice presidential nod they had said they didn’t want.

GOP VICE PRESIDENT CHOICES BY REGION

MIDWEST

John Thune (has endorsed Romney) U.S. Senator, South Dakota

He is good-looking and has an almost impeccable conservative reputation, but he may not be enthusiastic about taking on the vice presidency.

Tim Pawlenty (has endorsed Romney) Former Governor, Minnesota

Very loyal but lacks charisma. He would be a safe pick but may not generate excitement for Romney among the GOP base or with independents.

Paul Ryan (has endorsed Romney) U.S. Representative, Wisconsin

Although heavily courted to join the presidential contest, he turned it down. Beloved by the policy wonk side of the GOP, he may still not be interested in the race.

Mitch Daniels Governor, Indiana

He has a national reputation for speaking uncomfortable truths on debt and spending issues. He could have been a presidential campaign favorite but decided not to run.

Rob Portman (has endorsed Romney) U.S. Senator, Ohio

A safe pick who helped lead Romney’s Ohio primary victory. He is an expert on budget matters but was part of the Bush administration, which ballooned national debt.

EAST

Chris Christie (has endorsed Romney) Governor, New Jersey

His regular-guy manner makes him very popular. Despite his personality, it would still be tough for him to deliver a Democratic-leaning New Jersey.

SOUTH

Bobby Jindal Governor, Louisiana

Very popular and conservative Indian-American governor viewed as a potential presidential candidate in the future.

Marco Rubio (has endorsed Romney) U.S. Senator, Florida

Young, Hispanic and from a key swing state, Rubio is a favorite of the tea party, and could be a strong choice for the Romney presidential ticket.

Bob McDonnell (has endorsed Romney)

Governor, Virginia A popular governor from an important new battleground, his gubernatorial message on jobs and the economy could help win in toss-up states.

WEST

Susana Martinez Governor, New Mexico

The first Hispanic female governor in the country, Martinez has issued a firm denial of any interest in being vice president. She is the guardian of a developmentally disabled sister and says it would be “devastating” to separate her from the rest of their family.

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