Have you been following all the reports about whom Mitt Romney is considering for his running mate?

There have been press reports that the list includes:

• Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty
• Ohio Senator Rob Portman
• Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan
• Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal
• New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
• Florida Senator Marco Rubio
• New Hampshire Kelly Ayotte
• Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels
• Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell
• South Dakota Senator John Thune
• Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush

And every once in a while there are reports that certain candiates are not being vetted. For example this morning, Jonathan Karl of ABC News reported that Senator Marco Rubio was not being vetted.

Don’t read too much into it, but after all the speculation surrounding the ABC news “scoop” about the campaign’s VP vetting process and Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Mitt Romney told Sean Hannity that only he and Beth Myers know who is being vetted. Here’s an excerpt of this evening’s Mitt Romney interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News:

Hannity: “What did you make of the ABC News report this morning that said Marco Rubio was not being vetted but Governor Tim Pawlenty was being vetted? Any comment on that story?”

Mitt Romney: “I get a kick out of some of the speculation that goes on. I’m not going to comment on the process of course. But I can tell you this: only Beth Myers and I know who is being vetted.”

Hannity: “Does that mean Ann Romney doesn’t know?”

Romney: “Even Ann doesn’t know. We talk about the possible people that I might select. But in terms of actually who is being vetted, that is something only two people know. And Beth Myers doesn’t talk.”

Hannity:“Is there a shortlist?”

Romney: “There are a number of people who are being vetted and that is obviously the group we are considering most seriously.”
(Fox News’ “Hannity,” 6/19/12)

Perhaps all the speculation is the result of the fact that picking a running mate is often described as a nominee’s first presidential act, a window into his mind and personality. Whatever the reasons, take heed, only two people know who is on the list.

UPDATE: Mitt Romney made it very clear:

“There are only two people in this country who know who are being vetted and who are not, and that’s Beth Myers and myself, ” he told reporters, referring to the close aide in charge of his vice presidential search. “I know Beth well. She doesn’t talk to anybody. The story was entirely false. Marco Rubio is being thoroughly vetted as part of our process.”

You can watch a video of Romney’s clarification here.