As Mitt Romney’s run of three primary victories Tuesday essentially sealed his claim to the Republican nomination, speculation is turning to the next question on many people’s minds: Who will he pick as his VP?
According to the oddsmakers, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are at the top of the pack.
Paddy Power, the Irish bookmaker, has Rubio as the 11/4 favorite to join the ticket, slightly ahead of Christie at 5/1.
Those two are trailed by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell at 6/1 and then New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, both at 9/1. Ohio Sen. Rob Portman is close behind at 10/1.
Romney’s rival Rick Santorum is listed at 20/1 while darkhorses Sarah Palin (66/1) and Donald Trump (80/1) bring up the rear.
English betting agency Ladbrokes has the same top five candidates, though it has Rubio as a more formidable frontrunner at 2/1 odds.
Rubio is seen as a good choice for Romney due to his representation of a key swing state and ability to draw Latinos to the Republican column while Christie’s name appears near the top of most lists due to his pugnacious style and rapport with Republican base voters.
Party nominees usually pick their running-mates prior to the party’s nominating convention. The Republican convention is being held this year in Tampa, Fla., from August 27-30.