Is Romney the Veep Frontrunner?

By Rick Moran

If he is, I predict an awful lot of disgruntled conservatives are going to be sitting on their hands on election day in November.

But it is not a done deal yet - not by a long shot. Politico's Mike Allen gives us the background:

Surprising many Republican insiders, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is at the top of the vice presidential prospect list for John McCain. But lack of personal chemistry could derail the pick.

"Romney as favorite" is the hot buzz in Republican circles, and top party advisers said the case is compelling.

Campaign insiders say McCain plans to name his running mate very shortly after Barack Obama does, as part of what one campaign planner called a "bounce-mitigation strategy."

The Democratic convention is in late August, a week ahead of the Republican convention. That means McCain can size up the opposing ticket before locking in his own.

The McCain campaign declined to comment, saying McCain has made it clear they are not to discuss the matter.

One of the chief reasons the Massachusetts governor is looking so attractive is his ability to raise huge amounts of money quickly through his former business partners and from fellow members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Mormons.

In a race where the Republican candidate is going up against someone who might raise more than $300 million, every cent Romney can bring in will be welcome (the money can't go directly to the campaign but will be spent by the National Committee on get out the vote drives and other related matters).

The Mormon thing still doesn't sit well with the evangelical commiunity. But it may have a bigger upside electorally than we can see from outside the campaign.