The tradition is to announce the No. 2 around the time of the convention to inspire grassroots activists and seek maximum publicity for the final two-month push to the November 6 election.

But in this case, the Romney team has discussed whether to announce the pick a few weeks earlier to generate buzz for his campaign during August and help raise campaign funds.

It is far from clear, according to the outside advisers, on whether this route will be taken. But many Republicans see an advantage in going early.

“You double your ability to campaign, you double your ability to raise money,” said one Republican official. “You get a longer media halo,” said another.