TRYOUTS

Romney ‘Auditions’ Running Mates

Republicans publicly vie for VP ticket.

Will they be forced to sing the “The Star-Spangled Banner?” The Associated Press has observed that Republicans who support Mitt Romney have been publicly speaking on behalf of his campaign, essentially “auditioning” for the role of vice president without acknowledging that they’re doing so. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan have all made high-profile appearances in the month since Romney earned the Republican nomination, and all have targeted Obama in their speeches—a strategy they will need to perfect as Romney's attack dog. Romney’s top aides are reportedly in the process of vetting potential running mates, performing both political and personal background checks, but both the aides and candidates are sworn to secrecy, according to Republicans with knowledge of the VP selection process.