Reuters
Ann Romney holds the hand of her husband, US Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, as he puts his arm around one of his grandchildren while walking alongside Senator Kelly Ayotte as they take part in the Wolfeboro Fourth of July Parade in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
Washington - Republican Mitt Romney has been quietly narrowing down his options for a White House running mate, but in the midst of a closely watched vice presidential sweepstakes, his wife hinted she'd like a woman on the ticket.
Asked directly if her husband should choose a woman, Ann Romney told CBS News in an interview that aired early Thursday: “We've been looking at that and I'd love that option as well. So you know, there's a lot of people that Mitt is considering right now.”
She said she had a few choices “that I really like a lot”, but would not be drawn on which people she might have in mind.
When the candidate, seated next to his wife during the interview, was asked for comment on the topic, Romney quipped: “What she said.”
Team Romney is well aware of what happened in 2008, when Republican nominee John McCain rolled the dice and picked Alaska governor Sarah Palin as his number two.
Palin, the first woman Republican vice presidential candidate, inspired conservatives, but millions of Americans dismissed her as ill-prepared for the job. McCain's Democratic rival Barack Obama ended up winning the presidency.
The Romney family is currently on a one-week vacation in the state of New Hampshire, the last major break for Mitt Romney campaign before the Republican convention at the end of August.
It is widely assumed Romney will name his running mate before the convention, but the question is when.
“I can't tell you that,” Mitt Romney said.
“I have an idea in mind but that's something I'm keeping close with my team.” - Sapa-AFP
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