Mitt Romney Didn't Pick Condoleezza Rice To Be VP Because She Is Pro-Choice & Supports Same Sex Civil Unions
Aug. 31 2012, Published 12:00 p.m. ET
By Jen Heger - RadarOnline.com Assistant Managing Editor
Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney didn't pick former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to become his vice-presidential running mate because she is pro-choice, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.
"Condi was fully vetted to become Mitt Romney's running mate and turned over financial records, including tax returns," a source close to Rice tells RadarOnline.com.
"Mitt thought she would add much needed foreign policy experience to the ticket, thinks she is incredibly bright and he knew she would help with the all important female vote and African American support.
"However, Mitt's advisers talked him out of it because Condi is pro-choice and she isn't willing to change her position on the controversial issue. Condi also supports same sex civil unions which again, put her at odds with Romney. Mitt had a hard time getting the ultra conservative support of the GOP and was told if he picked Condi that would immediately be lost and so he ultimately picked Congressman Paul Ryan to be his running mate."
Rice, who served as National Security Adviser and Secretary of State under George W. Bush, spoke at the GOP convention Wednesday night and her speech received rave reviews -- being called one of the best of the convention.
"She's a very elegant speaker," Janice McConaha-Komer, an alternate delegate from Texas told the Huffington Post.
"She certainly is good for us women. She definitely represents women very favorably."
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However, Ryan's speech was criticized because he inaccurately said that a General Motors auto plant in Janesville, Wisconsin closed under President Obama's watch, however, the plant actually closed in 2008 when Bush was in office.
Meanwhile, Rice is currently a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business in California and is eying a run for Governor.
"Condoleezza is definitely leaning towards running for Governor of California. She wasn't upset or surprised that she wasn't picked to be Romney's running mate," the source says.
"She will continue to stump for him but she is very excited about the prospect of running for elected office for the first time in her life. California still has very high unemployment and companies are leaving the Golden State because of very high taxes and regulations. Condi's position on social issues makes her a very viable candidate."
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