Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney Willard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyGOP-led panel to hear from former official who said Burisma was not a factor in US policy Joe Biden's dangerous view of 'normalcy' The electoral reality that the media ignores MORE on Sunday listed four Republicans who could win the presidency in 2016 — leaving out two notable exceptions in Sens. Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzLoeffler calls for hearing in wake of Netflix's 'Cuties' Health care in the crosshairs with new Trump Supreme Court list 'Parks and Rec' cast members hosting special reunion to raise money for Wisconsin Democrats MORE (R-Texas) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

Romney said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) stands out as one of the brightest lights in the GOP, but also listed Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Sen. Marco Rubio Marco Antonio RubioFlorida senators pushing to keep Daylight Savings Time during pandemic Hillicon Valley: DOJ indicts Chinese, Malaysian hackers accused of targeting over 100 organizations | GOP senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal | QAnon awareness jumps in new poll Intelligence chief says Congress will get some in-person election security briefings MORE (Fla.) and his former GOP running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan Paul Davis RyanAt indoor rally, Pence says election runs through Wisconsin Juan Williams: Breaking down the debates Peterson faces fight of his career in deep-red Minnesota district MORE (Wis.).

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“I mean there is a long list of very capable people, but Chris Christie stands out as one of the very strongest lights in the Republican Party,” Romney said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Despite concerns Romney’s vice presidential vetting team had with Christie’s background, detailed in the forthcoming book, “Double Down," Romney said those issues were largely aired during Christie's first gubernatorial election.

Romney said Christie has popularity in and out of the Republican Party, something important in a presidential election.

“Well, I think it is kind of early to say who is the most electable and who will be the most effective. But at this stage, you look at Chris Christie and say 'that is a very impressive guy with a great track record with the demonstrated ability to work across the aisle with the support of labor and blue collar voters in New Jersey.' It is a pretty compelling story,” Romney said.

When asked about Cruz as a potential candidate, Romney said he is not ruling anyone out but made it clear who his first choices would be.

“Look I’m not going to disqualify anybody, but I think I have indicated some of the names I think are most effective in becoming elected and we’ll see where it goes,” he said.

Romney said Hillary Clinton — the Democrats’ early favorite for the nomination — would have to run partly on President Obama’s first term. And the election will be a time to really see what she accomplished as secretary of State. Romney noted anyone “can be beat.”