BOSTON -- One day after he announced he was suspending his run to be the Republican nominee for president, former Gov. Mitt Romney brushed off suggestions that he would be the vice presidential nominee.

"That is not something we are talking about at this stage -- I'll tell you that," Romney said on Friday.

Romney's departure from the race essentially seals the Republican nomination for Arizona Sen. John McCain.

"I am sure he'll have a role at the convention, but he is not seeking the vice presidency. It was not a topic of discussion among the senior staff at the campaign, and it id not come up when Gov. Romney spoke with John McCain," said Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom.

McCain's campaign also said the subject of the vice presidency was not discussed.

Romney supporters said they hope it is not the end of his political career.

"I wish he stayed in, but I understand why he left. We all made phone calls for him on Monday, trying to get California going for him," said supporter Shauna Woodall.