Mitt Romney is getting a taste of the Chicago Way. It remains to be seen just how effective these attacks have been, though some, like Joe Klein, believe the presumptive GOP nominee has been crippled by them, while RCP political analyst Sean Trende — and others — point out that despite the onslaught the race remains as close as it’s ever been. Still, it’s become clear that Obama and his team are willing to do or say whatever is necessary to try and make this election a choice between the two men and not a referendum on the president’s first term in office.

Romney might want to keep this in mind as he selects a running mate. Rumors are swirling that he’ll will make a decision soon — perhaps as early as this week. There are also published reports that Romney has narrowed his short list down to three choices: Tim Pawlenty, Rob Portman, and Bobby Jindal.

All three men have various traits to recommend them; each appears qualified to perform the duties of vice president should Romney win in November. What they all lack, however, is what Mitt Romney may need most to counteract The Chicago Way: the kind of conspicuous toughness and natural bellicosity that will be invaluable in fighting back against Obama and his team. At his core, Pawlenty is too “Minnesota nice”; Jindal is more professor than pugilist; and Portman comes across more like Lassie than Cujo.

But Romney is quite familiar with someone who knows a thing or two about brawling — and has a pretty good record in office as well: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Read more at Real Clear Politics

Related: Romney should let Chicago politicians go about their awful business.  Perhaps the worst advice ever, from Walter Jacobson

image Mt. Carmel’s Paul Christy with Yukon Moose Cholak