Behind the Vote

Mitt Romney could announce the identity of his running mate by the end of this week.

That's according to a top advisor for the presumptive Republican nominee.

The announcement would put an end to rampant speculation from the media about his pick -- Romney is said to be vetting potential candidates ranging from former RNC chair Haley Barbour to New Jersey governor Chris Christie to former Bush cabinet member Condoleezza Rice.

This week, we're asking our political bloggers who they think will be tapped to be Romney's running mate. But first, I'm asking you -- who do you think Romney should choose? What's more, does it matter?

In answer to that second question, polling on the matter says 'no.'

With the notable exception of Sarah Palin in '08, polling shows that voters don't really care who a candidate picks to be his or her running mate. The people who are most interested in the selection seem to be news reporters -- and only because it's a slow political news week.

That said, rumor has it that Romney has narrowed his VP choice to three candidates: Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, and Ohio senator Rob Portman.

Most presidential candidates wait to choose a running mate until closer to the convention, but some say Romney may choose to announce his pick this week to help divert attention from Democrats' attacks on his role at Bain and his refusal to make public years of personal income tax filings.

Although Gov. Romney appears to be close to making an announcement, his campaign staff insists that he has not yet made up his mind.

Here's what our political bloggers had to say:

Let's Hope Mitt Romney's VP Pick Isn't an Arrogant 'Ken Doll' Too

Mitt Romney Should Pick a California Girl for VP

Why Mitt Romney Shouldn't Choose a Female Running Mate

Image via Austen Hufford/Flickr