Portman>Rubio>Ryan.

[morningfog]

I think these are the last three. And, the more desperate Mitt is to change the story, the crazier the pick, from Portman to Rubio to Ryan.

I am really thinking Rubio now. He would be the biggest distraction, although it would only be temporary.

[KaryninMiami]

1. I don't think so- I think it's Portman

Rubio has absolutely no experience with foreign policy - not ready to be President. And lying about his family's "escape" from Cuba and being against the Dream Act- not going to give them the Hispanic bump they so desperately need. IMHO...

[morningfog]

2. There really isn't any willing repub with foreign policy experience.

I can see Romney pandering for the Hispanic vote, quite ineffectively, with Rubio. Is FL or OH the bigger prize? Again, neither would guarantee their home state.

[JoeyT]

4. The problem with using Rubio to pander,

is that even if it works, it may cost Romney some of the states Republicans always win. The bigots are just barely going to be able to bring themselves to vote for him, and that only to make sure there aren't any minorities anywhere near the White House. Take that away from them and they may stay home in droves.

Could you imagine how humiliating it would be to be the first Republican president to not carry Alabama or Mississippi?

[Freddie]

6. $10000 says it's Portman

He picks Ryan & it's open season on exactly what the Repugs intend to do with Medicare. He's red meat to the Ayn Rand crowd but scary to moderates.
Rubio has issues in his background.
Portman is a blank slate to most of us. Many folks opine that Romney should "go bold" with his selection but IMO the party wants him to do just the opposite and pick the most vanilla, noncontroversial choice possible.

[nevergiveup]

3. For a long time I thought it would be Rubio

then I switched to Pawlenty but now I am back with Rubio. I think Romney, at this point, is thinking "Hail Mary" and Rubio will comfortably fit the bill. The press will be loving them some Rubio. It will be nauseating.

[flamingdem]

5. Rubio is holding out for 2016 imo n/t

[underpants]

7. Portman or McDonnell (Va.) are Romney's only real choices

Ryan and Rubio are young enough to sit this one out (like all the actual candidates did from the beginning).

Portman or McDonnell give him a chance to win Ohio or Virginia but that is about it.

McDonnell is the best choice but he is a first term Governor and can't be re-elected so it is unlikely that he bails on his job.

[Cosmocat]

8. This is where my money is

I think Portman, because he is safe and he gives Romney the potential to maybe win Ohio.

[themaguffin]

9. Rubio has FL baggage, Portman helped destroy Clinton surplus, Ryan wants to kill SS and Medicare...

He can pick any of them he wants.