EXCEPT THAT STANDARD RULES OUT MERE LEGISLATORS:

"I think the mistakes made in 2008 will have a big effect, as they should in 2012," said strategist Steve Schmidt, who oversaw McCain's selection of Palin. "The 2008 process was evaluated almost entirely through a political prism."

This time, one Romney adviser said, "politics will matter less than you'd imagine."

"Knowing Mitt as I do, I think he's going to be very much of the school that we need a vice president who can become president," said the adviser, who like others interviewed demanded anonymity because of the sensitivity of the vice presidential search process.

The "veepstakes," as they are known, is a favorite parlor game of operatives and journalists. But forgotten in all the chatter is that Romney is likely to make the decision alone, in consultation with only a few close confidantes. Making this choice is considered the first presidential decision a nominee makes.

Now, as Republicans continue coalescing around Romney -- Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (Wis.) endorsed him this week -- some are wondering whether his new backers might be appear on the ticket.

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