Former Massachusetts Gov. and erstwhile presidential candidate Mitt Romney (R) is set to stump for two Congressional nominees in the Old Dominion on Thursday, as well as for the lieutenant governor’s expected re-election bid.

Romney, who is now seen as a leading contender for vice president, will be at the Ritz Carlton in Arlington on Thursday afternoon with former Gov. Jim Gilmore, the GOP Senate nominee, and businessman Keith Fimian, the Republican candidate in the race to replace retiring Rep. Tom Davis (R).

Both candidates face formidable foes in November. Gilmore is running against popular ex-Gov. Mark Warner (D), and Fimian will face the winner of the Democratic primary between former Rep. Leslie Byrne and Gerry Connolly, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Later Thursday, Romney is scheduled to attend a “Burgers with Bill” fundraiser in Glen Allen for Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R), who is expected to seek re-election in 2009.

— Josh Kurtz