From a high of 30, Pawlenty is now trading at 15. Someone knows something (which is the point of the futures market). The New York Times sums up the Veepstakes so:
The extended summertime silence of Mr. Romney, the Republican candidate, on his choice of a running mate has provided a new opening for social and economic conservatives to lobby for a die-hard member of their movement to join the Republican ticket.
If Romney folds and picks Paul Ryan, he would have to be considered gutless as well as heartless. Chris Christie is being pushed, too (“he’s a fighter!” “he gives Romney backbone!”). Is it possible that Romney actually has no organs of his own? Well, you know what? Everyone has something Romney doesn’t, because Romney doesn’t have a lot to offer. But, remember, any pick other than Portman or Pawlenty betrays panic.
So it is Portman, or a hail mary. I think Palin is available.