The Associated Press
BATON ROUGE, La. - A top adviser to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney says he could name his running mate by the end of the week.
Senior aide Eric Fehrnstrom says Romney hasn't settled on anyone, but could make a final decision in the coming days.
Campaign insiders say former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty is moving up on the list.
Several Republicans close to the campaign told The New York Times in a report published today they think Pawlenty and Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio are at the top of Romney's wish list.
The Times reports that Romney and Pawlenty have developed a good rapport on the campaign trail, and that Pawlenty is trying to shed his "dull" reputation.
The VP talk comes as Romney looks to change the subject from intensifying questions about his business career and refusal to release years of income tax returns.
Fehrnstrom spoke to The Associated Press Monday at a fundraiser in Baton Rouge, La., where Romney appeared with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. The governor is also a possible choice for vice president.
Romney raised an estimated $2 million at the event, where 40 donors paid $50,000 to attend.
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