Steve Peoples Associated Press
BATON ROUGE La. (AP)
Republican presidential candidate
Mitt Romney could name his running mate by the end of the week a top adviser said Monday.
The announcement if it happens according to the advisers timetable would come several weeks before presidential candidates traditionally reveal their picks for the second slot on the ticket
It would also come as
Romneys campaign seeks to deflect intensifying criticism from
President Barack Obama other
Democrats and some
Republicans over Romneys business record and refusal to release years of personal income tax filings
Outside a Louisiana fundraiser on Monday senior adviser Eric
Fehrnstrom said Romney hadnt finalized his decision but that an announcement could come within days.
Asked specifically whether Romney could announce his vice presidential pick this week Fehrnstrom said: Technically it could but the governor hasnt made a decision. It will only happen after he makes a decision.
Romney traveled to Louisiana to attend a private fundraiser alongside Louisiana Gov.
Bobby Jindal who is among those on Romneys short list for vice president. Romney raised an estimated $2 million at the event where 40 donors paid $50000 to attend.
Fehrnstrom said Romney and Jindal met privately earlier Monday but did not discuss the vice presidential selection process.
Jindal has been campaigning aggressively for Romney in recent weeks as have others thought to be under consideration. They include Ohio Sen.
Rob Portman former Minnesota Gov.
Tim Pawlenty Wisconsin Rep.
Paul Ryan and Florida Sen.
Marco Rubio among others.
Maybe youve noticed our president has run an increasingly desperate and negative campaign. It seems like every time you turn on the TV you hear another false and malicious attack Jindal told Romneys donors. This president cannot run on his record. He has to lie about Gov. Romneys record.
Romney did not address speculation about his running mate but praised Jindals work in Louisiana.
What I have seen watching this governor in the short years hes been here has really opened my eyes Romney said.
Choosing a running mate is perhaps the most important decision Romney will make before the Nov. 6 general election now less than four months away. In the 2008 presidential race Sen.
John McCains selection of Alaska Gov.
Sarah Palin helped define his losing bid.
Romney has emphasized experience as the most important attribute in a running mate. Careful and risk averse hes expected to make a relatively safe pick that wont shake up the race or overshadow his candidacy.
