Politics & Government

Bachmann Predicts Romney will Select Ohio Senator as VP: No. 2 Top Story of 2012

Days later, Romney chose Wis. Congressman Paul Ryan.

 

The story of Michele Bachmann's visit to St. Michael and her prediction on Mitt Romney's pick made for the No. 2 most-read post of 2012 on St. Michael Patch. It was published Aug. 10, 2012. Days later, Romney chose Wis. Congressman Paul Ryan.

Check back Monday for the No. 1 story of 2012.

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Put on the spot by her host , Rep. Michele Bachmann didn't hesitate when she made her prediction for the person she thinks Mitt Romney will select as his running mate. 

Find out what's happening in St. Michaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I think it will be Sen. [Rob] Portman from Ohio," Bachmann told Marksman Metals owner Pete Scharber. "I really do. And I think it's a good choice."

Romney is expected to make his decision as soon as Monday, after the Olympics wrap in London.

Portman, a junior Senator from Ohio, is a popular selection because he could swing a state Romney, the presumptive candidate for president from the Republican Party, desperately needs. 

"I think Mitt is pretty predictable," she said. "I think he's solid. He's a strong businessman. I don't think there will be any big surprises." 

The last vice presidential selection made by the GOP, of course, was a huge surprise, as candidate John McCain selected Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, a relative unknown. 

Bachmann said she worked with Romney to make the repeal of "Obamacare" a priority for his campaign.

"That was my issue, and I pushed it very hard. I would not give the Romney campaign my endorsement until I know that would be part of his plan once he took office," she said. 

Bachmann did not mention her Minnesota colleague and other prospective vice presidential prospect, former Gov. Tim Pawlenty. 

Those two traded some barbs in their campaign for the presidency earlier this year. Pawlenty criticized Bachmann for a small list of accomplishments in Congress, while she portrayed the former governor as a moderate.

When asked who might be the darkhorse in the "veepstakes," Bachmann said Marco Rubio of Florida might get the nod. 


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