Romney in position for VP selection

WASHINGTON, July 22 (UPI) -- Mitt Romney's switch of $45 million in campaign loans into contributions means he is counting on a U.S. vice presidential post, said a Boston Globe analysis.

The decision means Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, is sending a signal to likely Republican Party presidential candidate John McCain that he will be freed from personal fundraiser commitments and ready to join full-time in the party's efforts, the Globe reported Tuesday.

Despite clashes while the two were competing in presidential primaries, some analysts say Romney's chances of becoming McCain's running mate have improved, the newspaper said. Negative attention given to McCain's economic knowledge could make businessman Romney a more attractive vice presidential candidate.

His recent public support of McCain and personal meetings between the two may also have broken the ice, the Globe reported.