“I’m not discussing the vice presidential vetting process,” the governor told WTOP. “You can address those questions to the Romney campaign.”

For those trying to read the vice presidential tea leaves, McDonnell’s sudden silence could indicate that the popular governor is moving up the short list. With Virginia’s 13 electoral votes very much up for grabs — and a crucial component of a Romney path to the presidency — the popular governor could be a good strategic pick.

Speculation has been rampant in recent weeks about who Romney might choose. Last week, a report from ABC News indicating the Romney campaign had not requested vetting documents from Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) led many to question whether the freshman lawmaker had fallen out of favor.