◼ While the GOP buzz about Mitt Romney's vice presidential pick is focused on rookie Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, key sources say that former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is fast moving up the veep list and likely now is the second choice behind Ohio Sen. Rob Portman. - Washington Examiner
◼ Larry Sabato and his University of Virginia "Crystal Ball" deputy Kyle Kondik agree with the emergence of Pawlenty and on Thursday will move him up in their latest edition from No. 7 to No. 2. "He has emerged as another safe choice for Romney. is conservative credentials, like Portman's are pretty solid," they write in the new edition of "Sabato's Crystal Ball" provided in advance to Secrets.
