The presidential campaign for Republican hopeful Mitt Romney announced on Tuesday it was rolling out a smartphone app they said will serve as the official channel of distribution for his choice of a vice presidential running mate. Senior adviser Beth Myers said the announcement is getting nearer. She was hired to head the very secretive search operation for selecting a running mate for Romney.

Romney’s campaign team said the new app would allow users to be the first Americans to know the running mate that will join “America’s Comeback Team.” The app is free, is titled Mitt’s VP, and can be downloaded on any Android or iPhone platform.

Traditionally the challenger for the White House unveils his selection of a running mate just prior to his party’s national convention or at some point during the convention itself, as John McCain did as the nominee for the Republicans in 2008.

The national convention for Republicans is in August this year from the 27th to the 30th in Tampa, Florida. However, a number of observers have started to chatter recently about how the Romney team might announce his choice early to deflect the constant criticism he is receiving over his record in business and his steadfast refusal to not release any more than two years worth of tax returns.

Last Friday, the speculation was fueled more by Myers when she said there were 13 politicians or former officials from the Republican Party that people should be following on Twitter. Nearly all of the 13 are considered potential candidates for the VP position.