Mitt Romney, Ron Paul Deal Could Include Rand Paul VP

The rumors that Republican presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney may select U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., as his running mate were given more credibility by sources from within Congressman Ron Paul's campaign who claim a deal is taking shape.Reports about a so-called "non-aggression" pact between Romney and Paul's father, GOP presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Tx., have been circulating for weeks. During the debates, Congressman Paul frequently attacked former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum and former Speaker Newt Gingrich, but often gave Romney a pass.A new wrinkle is being added by insiders from the congressman's campaign who claim the libertarian-minded lawmaker is thinking about the future of his movement—namely Rand as vice president—rather than winning the nomination.From TIME: Even as they tamp down rumors of a pact, Paul’s advisers concede that the friendship between Paul and Romney is the initial step toward a deal. And behind the scenes, discussions between the two campaigns — as well as initial discussions with the Santorum and Gingrich camps, according to one Paul adviser — are slowly taking shape. (SNIP) The Texas Representative might also be enticed, says campaign chairman Jesse Benton, by the prospect of serving as a presidential adviser, a Cabinet position for someone in his orbit or “perhaps a vice presidency.” Not for himself, but rather his son. Rand Paul, the junior senator from Kentucky and a Tea Party icon, is expected to launch his own White House bid in 2016. Being on the ticket now – or even being mentioned for it – would be a helpful step. Says one Paul adviser: "If you’re talking about putting Rand on the ticket, of course that would be worth delivering our people to Romney."In February, WFPL reported Sen. Paul was open to the idea of being Romney's running mate and would be honored at the consideration.