Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (AP Photo)

(CNSNews.com) – Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has reportedly been mentioned as front-running candidate to become Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s vice presidential running mate, but Rice told “CBS This Morning” last month that there was “no way” she would run for vice president.

On June 26, “CBS This Morning” host Charlie Rose asked Rice, “Let me bring this back full circle to politics we started at the retreat. Because of your speech, there has been some groundswell of enthusiasm about the possibility because of your experience, because of your sense of resonance with America that you might be the ideal running mate for Mitt Romney.”

“Charlie, I didn’t run for student council president. I don’t see myself in any way in elective office. I love policy. I’m particular fond of politics. Governor Romney’s going to make a great choice for vice president. He’s got terrific judgment. There’s a deep bench on the Republican side,” Rice said.

“You’re not saying you would turn him down if he calls, are you?” Rose asked.

“I’m saying there is no way that I will do this, because it’s really not me. I know my strengths and Governor Romney needs to find someone who wants to run with him. There are many people who will do it very, very well, and I’ll support the ticket,” Rice, who was also national sercurity adviser for President George W. Bush, said.

“That’s a 'no' or that’s ‘it’s not gonna happen?” Rose asked.

“That’s it’s not gonna happen and no,” Rice replied with a laugh.