NEW OPTIONS

(Washington Prowler) - Last week, in the aftermath of Sen. John McCain's remarks that he might consider a pro-abortion vice presidential nominee for the bottom of his ticket, the Republican nominee's campaign polled identified conservative voters on their perceptions of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

"There has been very weak support from conservatives for Romney for months now, but faced with the prospect of a pro-choice vice president, Romney's numbers improved," says an adviser to the campaign with ties to Romney. "Pawlenty's and Jindal's numbers didn't improve as much."

The problem for Romney: both Pawlenty's and Jindal's support among conservatives was far better than Romney's before the option of a pro-choice nominee came into play.

In fact, both Pawlenty and Jindal actually help a McCain ticket win states, whereas Romney's numbers continue to weaken the ticket nationally.

Jindal and Pawlenty, both of whom underwhelmed in TV appearances last week, remain on the top of the short list, while former Congressman and U.S. Trade Rep. and current OMB chief, Rob Portman, and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin remain darkhorse candidates, according to McCain campaign insiders.

By all accounts, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, while still on the short list, has lost momentum. And a new name has emerged: Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels.