◼ In Pawlenty, Romney Campaign May Find Down-to-Earth Appeal - Jeff Zeleny/New York Times
...The vetting of possible vice-presidential candidates is approaching an end. It has been a deeply secretive process, but several Republicans close to the campaign believe Mr. Pawlenty and Mr. Portman stand out among those being considered....
◼ Obligatory “Romney may have already picked his running mate” post of the week - Ed Morrissey/HotAir
Pawlenty has received a lot of attention in the Veepstakes, and for good reason. The former Minnesota governor connects well with working-class voters, has excellent message discipline, is unquestionably prepared to be President should the need arise, and can play well in the Midwest and probably the Rust Belt, a quality Romney will need in November. Pawlenty gets a lot of criticism for not being exciting enough on the stump, but he improved his game considerably over the last two years, and delivers impressively in speeches.
ABC, on the other hand, hears that if Romney has made his decision, it may be Bobby Jindal who gets the nod:
◼ Veep Beat: Pawlenty Gets Second Look, Jindal Stock Rising - Arlette Saenz/ABC @ArletteSaenz
◼ Romney adviser: 'No decision's been made' on VP - Emily Schultheis/Politico
◼ Romney Camp: No Veep Pick Just Yet - Sara Murray/Wall St. Journal
