TAMPA, August 31, 2012, (LifeSiteNews.com) – Mitt Romney vetted former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice as his vice presidential running mate, but turned her down because her pro-choice, pro-homosexual views would split the party, according to media reports.

“Condi was fully vetted to become Mitt Romney’s running mate,” an unnamed campaign source told RadarOnline.com. Romney thought Rice would add foreign policy expertise “and he knew she would help with the all important female vote and African American support.”

The problem? Condoleeza Rice describes herself as “mildly pro-choice,” favors some kind of legal recognition for homosexual unions, held a prominent post in the unpopular George W. Bush administration, backs Affirmative Action, and may have voted for Barack Obama in 2008.

“Mitt’s advisers talked him out of it, because Condi is pro-choice and she isn’t willing to change her position on the controversial issue,” the source said.

These advisers reportedly told the former Massachusetts governor “ultra conservative support” would “immediately be lost” if he chose Rice.

That proved to be good advice. After rumors surfaced that Rice had been vetted for veep, values voters sparked a rebellion.

Marjorie Dannenfelser of the Susan B. Anthony List called Rice “an unqualified candidate,” and Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council described her candidacy as “a non-starter.” Conservative activist Richard Viguerie encouraged his readers to call the Romney campaign to talk them out of offering Rice the number two spot.

Instead, Romney chose Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan, a selection that left many pro-life leaders thrilled.

Rice still graced the platform at the Republican National Convention the same night as John McCain, the 2008 nominee who attempted to dilute the GOP’s pro-life plank four years ago.

The former Bush-41 adviser may still harbor political ambitions. According to the source, she is thinking seriously about running for governor of California, where Republicans often hold pro-abortion and pro-homosexual views.