Oklahoma Gov. Fallin comes up as possible pick as Romney's vice president
BY WAYNE GREENE World Senior Writer & BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Thursday, April 19, 2012
4/19/12 at 4:45 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY - Gov. Mary Fallin's name was floated Wednesday as a possible vice presidential candidate for Republican presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney on ABC's "Good Morning America."
Jonathan Karl, senior political correspondent for ABC News, floated Fallin's name as an outside contender to be Romney's vice presidential nominee.
Karl listed Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush as the top contenders.
He said the "second tier" includes New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnel and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.
With Romney seeking to overcome a "gender gap" in female support, Karl listed possible female candidates as Fallin, New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez.
Fallin said she was flattered and honored that her name would be mentioned but that she has not been contacted by the Romney campaign.
"I didn't even see it on TV," she said. "My phone started ringing off the wall after it went on TV."
Fallin said she has not endorsed a candidate but has spoken with many Romney campaign people about his race.
"The presidential campaign is very important," she said. "I will do everything I can to help elect the Republican nominee."
Fallin was asked whether she would agree to be Romney's running mate if requested.
"Well, I am going to continue to focus on doing the best job I can as governor of the state of Oklahoma," she said. "That is all speculation at this point - who he is going to choose to be his vice presidential nominee."
Romney's campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
State Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones, a co-chairman of the Romney campaign in Oklahoma, pointed out that Falln's experience in Washington also makes her a good potential vice presidential candidate.
Before she was elected governor, Fallin represented Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District. She also has been lieutenant governor and served in the Oklahoma House.
Original Print Headline: Fallin comes up as possible pick for Romney VP
Wayne Greene 918-581-8308 Barbara Hoberock 405-528-2465
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Gov. Mary Fallin: The governor said she was flattered and honored that her name would be mentioned but that she has not been contacted by the Romney campaign. "I didn't even see it on TV" when her name was brought up, she said. "My phone started ringing off the wall after it went on TV."
Mitt Romney: The frontrunner needs help with the "gender gap."
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