Gov. Blunt: No vice presidential aspirations

ST. ANN, Mo. (AP) -- Gov. Matt Blunt said Tuesday he is not looking to be a running mate with Republican Governor Mitt Romney if the Massachusetts governor decides to pursue the presidency in 2008.

Blunt's statement was in response to a reporter's question during an unrelated news conference in this St. Louis suburb. He said he and Romney are good friends only, and that the only office he might pursue in 2008 is that of governor.

Speculation about Blunt's aspirations was fueled after he took a vacation to Alaska with Romney in September.

The governors' getaway was hosted by Sam Fox, a major Republican fundraiser and chairman of the national Republican Jewish Coalition.

Romney and Blunt also traveled together to Iraq and Afghanistan in May.

Romney is considering a bid for president in 2008 and has begun raising money, but hasn't formally declared he's running.