Former GOP presidential candidate Sen John McCain (R-AZ) says that Mitt Romney "is a fine and decent American," and that "he would be viable" as a candidate if he decides to run for president for a third time in 2016.
"I think he has a reservoir of support, and I certainly respect any decision that he might make," said McCain, who defeated Romney to win the Republican nomination in 2008. "I'm a great admirer of Mitt Romney's."
"I think that Mitt Romney and his advisors will take into consideration whether a third attempt would be viable or not," McCain added. "I just think that he would be viable, and I think he's a very outstanding person."
McCain also mentioned that he is encouraging South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham -- whom McCain jokingly called his "illegitimate son" -- to explore a presidential run.
Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R), who represents the all-important state of New Hampshire, said if Romney does decide to run he can point to his statements on foreign policy during the 2012 debates as evidence he should be a contender.
"He's someone who last time if you look at the debates, even the comments that he was castigated on with regard to Russia, in light of what has happened in Ukraine I think he has been vindicated in many ways on some of the things that he said about foreign policy," Ayotte said. "So I think he's going to be a strong candidate, but, you know, I think we're going to have a very vigorous field here as you've seen."