By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – While Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney continues to mull over his options for a running mate in the November election, many in the River Parishes seem to have their minds made up regarding who they would like to see as a possible new vice president.

About three quarters of those who responded to last week’s L’Observateur online poll believe Rick Santorum, Romney’s former opponent in the Republican primaries, is the best choice for running mate. No other candidate listed as a potential choice came anywhere close.

The next closest vote getters, Florida senator Marco Rubio and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, were each only able to muster about 7 percent. The most local contender for running mate, Gov. Bobby Jindal, received even less support.

A complete breakdown of results is as follows:

• 75 percent of respondents chose, “Rick Santorum.”

• 7 percent of respondents chose, “Marco Rubio.”

• 7 percent of respondents chose, “Condoleezza Rice.”

• 6 percent of respondents chose, “Bobby Jindal.”

• 4 percent of the respondents chose, “Paul Ryan.”