Boston (WBZ Newsroom)  -- He was number two in the GOP delegate count but could former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney be number two on the Republican ticket? 

A GOP political strategist tells WBZ Newsradio 1030 that Romney has talked with Arizona Senator John McCain about being his running mate. 

Michael Edelman says sources tell him that Romney jumped off the road to the White House so that he can become McCain's running mate...and that the two spoke about the issue Thursday. 

Edelman says McCain is strong in the South and West and among independents. Romney's strength is in the North and East and among conservatives. McCain is strong on national defense and Romney's strength is on the economy. 

Edelman says the two would make a powerful ticket against Hillary Clinton who he says is likely to get the Democratic nomination.

A spokesperson with the Romney camp denies that there has been any discussion about a running mate deal.

In a speech Thursday marking his departure from the presidential race, Romney urged the right to fight for traditional values as if the country's future depended on it.