Thaindian News

Washington, May 5 (IANS) As the guessing game begins about presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s running mate, two Indian-American governors, Nikki Haley and Bobby Jindal, figure among the many names being tossed around.

Like every other potential candidate, South Carolina governor Haley and Louisiana governor Jindal have said “they don’t want the vice presidency and that they like the jobs they have now” as influential Washington news site Politico pointed out.

“But for the handful of Republican rising stars viewed as potential running mates, actions speak louder than words”, it said listing besides Haley and Jindal, Virginia governor Bob McDonnell, senator Rob Portman, House member Paul Ryan and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Each of them has campaigned with Romney sparking a “frenzy of speculation about that candidate’s assets and liabilities as reporters and strategists, and perhaps Romney’s own team, mentally take measure,” Politico noted.

“Haley said recently that she’d tell Romney ‘Thank you, but no,’ and the general consensus is that her denial is more sincere than that of the others in the running,” it said.

Jindal, who recently endorsed Romney after being an early and enthusiastic supporter of Texas governor Rick Perry appeared on CNN Friday and gave what has become one of the customary responses of potential running mates for Mitt Romney.

“Look, I’ve got the job that I want. I know pundits will be speculating on who he’s going to pick,” Jindal said on CNN amid a broader interview about the economy and the latest public opinion polls.

“At the end of the day, I think he’s going to pick the person,” Jindal said about Romney’s choice.

“He’s going to do the best job as president and make that decision not based on political or other grounds, and whoever he picks, I’m going to support that ticket, because I think it’s that important, not only for Louisiana but our country.”

But as the Wall Street Journal pointed out citing past examples, “some politicians say ‘no’ yet still end up as nominees and then vice-presidents.” Though it acknowledged “n the case of Haley and Jindal, many analysts believe such a course is unlikely.”

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)