VP or not VP: Pawlenty still tops the short list

Chris Cillizza’s latest analysis of the VP sweepstakes has Gov. Tim Pawlenty as the No. 1 contender. Here’s the Washington Post scribe’s take on T-Paw’s chances:

1.Tim Pawlenty: So Tpaw and McCain had something of a disagreement over the cause of last year’s bridge collapse in Minnesota. The Minnesota governor remains the candidate in the Republican vice presidential field who fits best with what McCain wants and needs in a VP. Pawlenty has been elected twice in a Democratic-leaning state that is almost certain to be a battleground in the fall. He is liked and respected by both conservatives and moderates and gets rave reviews for his political instincts. He has also known McCain for nearly three decades and has been a supporter since the early days of the contest.

Others still on Cillizza’s GOP short list: Charlie Crist, Rob Portman, John Thune and Mitt Romney.