Why Marco Rubio isn't being vetted for VP: 5 theories

Despite being heralded as a perfect No. 2 for Romney's ticket, the handsome Latino senator from Florida is reportedly not even being considered for the job

Freshman Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) was once favored to snag the VP spot, but has since reportedly been knocked off the short-list in favor of more experienced politicians.
(Image credit: Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images)

As Mitt Romney auditions potential candidates to join his ticket as the vice-presidential nominee, a cadre of Republicans have been championing one name as a no-brainer: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. So when ABC News reported Tuesday that Team Romney has not even asked Rubio to complete questionnaires or financial disclosure forms — all but confirming that he isn't even being vetted for the VP gig — many political junkies were shocked. "Young, charismatic, and wildly popular with conservatives," the Tea Party-backed Latino was once widely seen as the VP frontrunner, says ABC News' Jonathan Karl. Why is Rubio now reportedly off the short-list altogether? Here, five theories:

1. Rubio's inexperience would hurt Romney

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