Romney names Sen. Ayotte as VP option

By Alicia M. Cohn - 11/22/11 02:52 PM ET

Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney on Monday night said there are more than a dozen Republicans he could consider as a running mate, including New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte.

Romney has demurred in the past when asked about a prospective veep selection, and initially did so when asked on Fox News' "Hannity," saying it would be “too presumptuous” to name names when the GOP nomination is still up for grabs.

“I hope to become the nominee and then we'll start thinking about things like that,” Romney said. "Whoever our nominee is will be able to choose a remarkable, superb person to become the vice presidential contender."

Pressed by Hannity, he named Ayotte as one person he could consider.

"There are probably 15 names of people, including Kelly Ayotte. I mean, there are terrific Republicans in the Senate, in the House, in governors' offices. You've got extraordinary men and women. We have a very deep bench," Romney said.

Ayotte endorsed Romney over the weekend and serves as co-chairwoman of Romney's national advisory committee.

Romney released his first attack ad against President Obama timed to confront the president's visit to New Hampshire on Tuesday.

"We have to have a new president. I hope I'm that person," Romney said. "I think I've got the best shot at defeating President Obama."