VP or not VP: Romney camp reportedly thinks McCain will pick Pawlenty

Paul Bedard of US News blogs the latest rumor in the GOP veepstakes, and I quote:

“As Sen. John McCain comes to an end in his search for a running mate, there are new indications today that he is looking at Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and not foe-turned-pal Mitt Romney. Sources close to Romney tell us that his camp has not had vice presidential talks and dealings for a while, leading them to believe that the other running mate topping McCain’s list has edged him out.”

Most of the DC media gang still thinks McCain will name his pick this Friday to seize back the news cycle after the conclusion of the Democratic convention the day before. It’s been widely reported that McCain will be in Ohio for a rally Friday.

For what it’s worth, Bedard’s note about Pawlenty is consistent with a different rumor that swept McCain/GOP insiders in Michigan last week. As we reported then, they were hearing that Minnesota, not Ohio, would be the place for Republican operatives to show up this Friday.