ABJ - May 11 - With former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney all but certain to represent the Republican Party as the candidate to face off against U.S. President Barack Obama, many GOP and political pundits are now debating who will be selected as Romney’s running mate and potential Vice-President.

A recent poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos shows former Pennsylvania Senator and GOP candidate Rick Santorum among GOP Vice-Presidential favorites, with 18 per cent of Republicans favoring Santorum among a selection of 19 potential running mates. Florida Senator Marco Rubio finished a close second to Santorum with 17 per cent.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, brother of former U.S. President George W. Bush, both secured 13 per cent support in the poll. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who last made a bid for the Republican nomination in 2008, also finished strong, with 12 per cent.

Meanwhile, the same poll also shows Santorum with the largest unfavorable rating, at 23 per cent, yet it’s believed that a Santorum selection to the Romney campaign could help the former Massachusetts Governor attract social conservative voters. Through the primary season, Santorum won several key states, including North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.