Washington Post political blogger Chris Cillizza (his blog is "The Fix") this morning updates his list of the likeliest running mates for both tickets. Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who was Cillizza's top pick in the GOP veepstakes last time Cillizza ranked them, has slipped to No. 2. Former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney moved from No. 2 to No. 1.
 
Saith Cillizza: "The buzz factor around Pawlenty has quieted quite a bit over the last month as the chattering class moves on to a new flavor of the month. Although Pawlenty isn't ranked number one today, it's hard to imagine that he is not one of the final three (or four) people that McCain considers. Pawlenty's compelling personal story (the son of a truck driver), appeal in a potential swing state and close relationship with McCain are all powerful factors in his favor."

The GOP top five, according to Cillizza: 1. Romney. 2. Pawlenty. 3. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, 4. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. 5. S.D. Sen. John Thune.
 
On the Dem side, Cillizza has it: 1. Former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine. 2. Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh. 3. Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. 4. Delaware Sen. Joe Biden. 5. New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. — Eric Black