Analysis: Senator Pat Toomey Possible Vice President On GOP Ticket?

By Larry Kane

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There's a caucus in Kansas today with Rick Santorum favored, but now there's a new entry in the vice presidential guessing game.

Reliable sources here and in Washington report that Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey has entered the short list of possible choices for VP on the Republican ticket. Why? Toomey has credentials as the foremost expert on budgets, the economy and deficit reduction on the hill. He won in a fairly moderate state two years ago, and keeps a lower profile on social issues that may turn off independent voters.

And Toomey's office is making no attempt to quiet the buzz. Another reason for the emergence of Toomey is the importance of Pennsylvania. In a close race, the state could be the breakthrough for either party.