Romney Takes Lead in VP Derby

Mitt Romney is today's top candidate to fill out John McCain’s ticket, Politico reports. The ex-Massachusetts governor has conservative cred, Michigan roots, fundraising chops—and not much chemistry with McCain. McCain hopes to wait out Barack Obama and see the Democratic ticket before announcing his choice, a play one staffer called a “bounce-mitigation strategy.”

Two other names near the top of the list:

• Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, seen as a backup to Romney should McCain balk at party leaders' choice.
• Ex-Ohio congressman and White House budget director Rob Portman.