Mitt Romney back in veep picture

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- A report that John McCain had chosen Mitt Romney as his vice presidential running mate set off bells throughout GOP-land until the denials came on Friday.

Top sources in the Arizona senator's campaign said no choice had been made yet.

However, the debunked report left open the question of whether Romney, a former Michigan governor as ex-presidential hopeful, is now a favorite for the post, Politico said.

McCain, meanwhile, is keeping the guessing game going by planning to visit suburban St. Louis for a major rally with Romney and Mike Huckabee on Sunday, Aug, 31, the day before the start of the GOP convention in St. Paul, Minn.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty also is considered a possible McCain running mate.