Reports Thursday suggested that Paul and Romney had been discussing that scenario through back channels, with Paul seeking either a legislative promise or a spot on the ticket for his son, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), in exchange for his support.

But Romney denied such conversations have occurred.

“No, there have not. Ron Paul is a very independent sort as you know. We have only seen each other briefly in halls; we have never had a sit-down discussion,” Romney said on Fox News Radio’s “Kilmeade & Friends.” “My hope would be to get the support of these folks. Let me tell you, I will support our nominee. There are four of us on the stage, I will support whoever our nominee is, I will go to work and help whether it is Newt Gingrich, or Rick Santorum or Ron Paul. I want one of these people to replace Barack Obama; I think I am the best person to do that.”