Mack, Jeb part of Utah Romneypalooza; Rubio declines

[monmouth]

by George Bennett | June 22nd, 2012

Former Gov. Jeb Bush will join some frequently mentioned GOP vice presidential possibilities — Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty — at a weekend fundraising shindig in Utah with Mitt Romney that’s being cast by some as a VP audition.

Sen. Marco Rubio, whose vetting or non-vetting for VP has been a source of drama this week, is not going. But, after reports surfaced that Rubio wasn’t asked, he told reporters he was invited but declined so he could spend time with his family.

Another notable attendee at the event: Rep. Connie Mack, the Republican Senate candidate and early Romney endorser who was a key surrogate for Romney before Florida’s Jan. 31 primary. Mack, expected to get the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in the fall, is the only Senate candidate expected.

Also expected, according to this and other published reports: Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Dakota Sen. John Thune.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/rubio-declines-invitation-romney-fundraiser-utah/nPcWk/

[montanacowboy]

1. Must be nice to sit around a high class resort

eat and drink the best and make plans for the "little people"

[siligut]

2. Park City is a beautiful location

And the businesses tend to cater to outsiders. Maybe Condoleezza Rice won't feel too out of place.

[southernyankeebelle]

3. I wouldn't be surprised if he picks Condi Rice as VP. It would be a shocker and a game

charger.

[WI_DEM]

5. true, but then she would have to also defend the Bush decision to go into Iraq

[southernyankeebelle]

6. You betcha. My question would be about that Memo. Remember Airplanes being flown into

buildings. Crazy.

[siligut]

4. Karl Rove is going to be there

I am sure he just won't listen to any talk about campaign strategy, in keeping with the federal law regarding his super PAC.