Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) is “very much a contender” to be Sen. John McCain's running mate, according to one of McCain’s closest allies on Capitol Hill.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who earlier this year told The Hill that McCain's vice presidential pick should be someone the Arizona senator "feels comfortable with," said Romney fits that description.

"I think he's very much a contender for the job," Graham said. "They have a good relationship. That's all I'll say."

Romney challenged McCain for the GOP nomination earlier this year but fell short. Recently the two have campaigned together.

Graham's comments come amid speculation that McCain will pick his running mate before the Olympic Games begin and that Romney is widely considered near the top of his list.