This might be the week we find out who Mitt Romney is choosing as his running mate. Or not. A top campaign aide said Romney “could” name his vice presidential pick by week’s end. Of course, could is by no means a definite assessment.

The Huffington Post:

The announcement, if it happens according to the adviser’s timetable, would come several weeks before presidential candidates traditionally reveal their picks for the second slot on the ticket. It would also come as Romney’s campaign seeks to deflect intensifying criticism from President Barack Obama, other Democrats and some Republicans over Romney’s business record and refusal to release years of personal income tax filings.

Outside a Louisiana fundraiser on Monday, senior adviser Eric Fehrnstrom said Romney hadn’t finalized his decision but that an announcement could come within days.

Asked specifically whether Romney could announce his vice presidential pick this week, Fehrnstrom said: “Technically it could, but the governor hasn’t made a decision. It will only happen after he makes a decision.”

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According to The Washington Post’s political blog The Fix, however, it is doubtful that Romney would name his running mate so soon.

The Fix:

Don’t hold your breath.

The Republican National Convention is over a month away, and no non-incumbent candidate has picked a VP so far ahead of his party’s nominating confab. Most picks come within a week of the event.

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Romney was in Louisiana on Monday visiting GOP Gov. Bobby Jindal, said to be on the short list of candidates for VP. Other top contenders include former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.

— Posted by Tracy Bloom

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