Romney: Running-mate search has begun

Mitt Romney, the presumptive GOP nominee, said Monday that his search for a running mate has officially begun.

Romney’s longtime adviser Beth Myers, who was his chief of staff when he was governor of Massachusetts, is leading the vice presidential vetting process.

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“She’s begun that process and is putting together the kinds of things you need to do to vet potential candidates,” Romney told ABC’s Diane Sawyer in an interview airing Monday night on “ABC World News” and “Nightline.”

Romney said he plans to have made his pick by the time of the GOP convention, which begins in Tampa, Fla., on Aug. 27.

“It would certainly be by the time of the convention,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve chosen the time we’d actually make an announcement.”

When pressed for names under consideration, the only name Romney discussed was that of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). Romney called Rubio, who has endorsed him, a “terrific leader” of the party.

But he denied that the campaign already has a shortlist.

“I think it’s way too early to begin narrowing down who the potential vice presidential nominees might be,” Romney said. “But we’re beginning that process.”