Paul D. Shinkman, wtop.com
Tw: @ShinkmanWTOP
WASHINGTON – The Virginia governor indicated on Tuesday the Mitt Romney camp might be considering him for vice president.
Gov. Bob McDonnell shifted from his usual response when questioned about a potential vice presidential bid while speaking on WTOP’s “Ask the Governor.” He had previously indicated he was not actively seeking the position, but might consider it if asked.
On Tuesday, he told WTOP he would not comment now that Romney is openly vetting candidates, such as Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a Tea Party favorite.
“I’m not discussing the vice presidential vetting process,” said McDonnell, the governor of the nation’s top state for business, according to a 2011 study. “You can address those questions to the Romney campaign.”
The change in tone indicates he might soon become one of the other public figures Romney is now openly vetting for the position.
In April, McDonnell told WTOP he would be open to accepting the position of running mate, if asked.
“If the nominee comes, of course you consider it,” McDonnell said, adding he is not proactively “looking for” or “asking for” the position.
In May, McDonnell told WTOP he was planning to finish out his term as governor, suggesting he would not leave before finishing his term in 2012 to campaign as a member of Romney’s ticket. He also said categorically he was not being vetted by the campaign at that time.
WTOP’s Mark Segraves contributed to this report. Follow Paul and WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
