n this Aug. 8, 2012 file photo, Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney campaigns in Des Moines, Iowa. Mitt Romney faces urgent tasks as he heads into a new phase of the White House race: repair an image shattered by negative Democratic advertising and shift the trajectory of a campaign that's seen him lose ground to President Barack Obama. He's got opportunities, starting with a big swing-state bus tour beginning Saturday and then his critical running mate announcement and the TV hoopla of a national convention.WASHINGTON - Mitt Romney's campaign says the presumed Republican presidential nominee will announce his running mate Saturday morning in Norfolk, Va.
The short list - if there is one - is believed to include Ohio Rep. Rob Portman, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan.
In a statement issued Friday night, the Romney campaign said the running mate would be revealed at 9 a.m. EDT at the Nauticus Museum. Romney is kicking off a four-day bus tour through swing states.
Romney's choice comes as he tries to repair an image damaged by negative Democratic advertising and shift the trajectory of a campaign that's seen him lose ground to President Barack Obama.
The vice presidential selection will dominate headlines, and Romney's team has been relentlessly teasing the announcement for weeks.