CPAC event showcases possible Romney running mate

June 8, 2012 (ROSEMONT, Ill.) (WLS) -- Political conservatives from across the country are meeting in suburban Rosemont Friday night and headliners at the conservative political action conference (CPAC) include Rick Santorum and Rand Paul.

The crowd also includes some potential running mates for Mitt Romney in his race for the White House.

As conservative republicans took to the main stage one after another hundreds of CPAC attendees could not help but wonder which ones might be on Mitt Romney's short list of possible running mates.

"The choices that have been mentioned on the shortlist are all conservatives," said conservative radio host Dan Profit.

Romney, who was criticized during the primary campaign for not being conservative enough, is under pressure to name a reputable conservative as the Republican vice president candidate.

"I think that what would help us the best would be to have someone who excites the conservative base but also appeals to independents," said Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul.

"My belief is he's going to reach out to a conservative because that's who he is," said Rep. Peter Roskam.

Then there's the usual Republican debate over whether to use the vice presidential nod as a way to expand the party's base.

"It may be a good idea to actually look for somebody who's a minority whether it's a woman or a racial minority," said Dr. Eric Wallace.

"I don't think it should be a her first of all because I don't think the country is ready for a female president or vice president," said conservative talk show host Charles Butler.

Insiders say that Rick Santorum, Romney's most outspoken critic during the primary campaign, is likely not on the short list. Friday, Santorum used CPAC to announce a non-profit to advocate conservative positions on political issues. Pundit Proft suspects Santorum is positioning himself for 2016, just in case.

"If Romney did somehow manage to lose the election, and I don't think he will, but if he did, would rick Santorum run in 2016? Without question," Profit said. "He would absolutely run in 2016 and he would start the 2016 campaign on November 7."

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