First Read: “So where is the TV ad war taking place in the presidential race? Eight of the 10 hottest advertising markets (in terms of advertising points from June 18-24) are in the three battleground states of Virginia, Ohio, and Colorado. In fact, three of this week’s top four markets are in Virginia, including No.1 Richmond (which was No.2 last week). Three Ohio markets make our list (Cincy, Cleveland, Columbus), compared with just one from last week. Also, for the first time on our weekly list, we have two Colorado markets (Colorado Springs and Denver). This shouldn’t be surprising after our NBC-Marist poll showed a tight race in the state and especially after that Peter Hart focus group there. And finally, there’s just one North Carolina market (Charlotte) after four Tar Heel State markets were on our list last week (Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro, and Asheville).”

“Bottom line: This week, it’s all about Virginia, Ohio, and Colorado. By the way, for those scoring at home, a Virginia market has been No.1 in the most saturated category for two of the last three weeks.”

Republican sources tell ABC News that Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) “is not being vetted by Mitt Romney’s vice presidential search team. He has not been asked to complete any questionnaires or been asked to turn over any financial documents typically required of potential vice presidential candidates.”

“Although it is possible that Rubio may yet be asked to go through the vetting process, it has been nearly two months since Romney named his long-time aide Beth Myers to run his vice presidential search. The fact that Rubio has not been asked to turn over any documents by now is a strong indication that he is not on Romney’s short list of potential running mates.”

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg told at least two people at a charity event that he believed Mitt Romney would probably be better at running the country than President Obama, the New York Times reports.

“But Mr. Bloomberg said he could not support Mr. Romney because he disagreed with him on so many social issues, these two people said. The mayor mentioned two such issues: abortion rights and gun control. As a result, Mr. Bloomberg said, he intended to remain neutral.”

A new Elway Research poll in Washington finds Rob McKenna (R) leading Jay Inslee (D) by just two points, 42% to 40%.

A similar poll in February showed McKenna with a nine point lead.

Said pollster Stuart Elway: “Washington state tilts Democratic. As Inslee becomes better known as the Democratic candidate, his support will naturally rise.”

President Obama has tapped Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) to play Mitt Romney in mock debate rehearsals, the Washington Post reports.

“Kerry will help Obama prepare for among the most consequential events of his reelection campaign — the three fall debates against Romney. As the senior senator from Massachusetts, Kerry has studied Romney’s career and campaign style for nearly two decades and has first-hand knowledge of his record as governor.”

The Boston Globe says Kerry “will be expected to not only provide Romney’s expected answers to debate questions, but foreshadow his attacks, mimic his speaking style, and model his posture so Obama feels comfortable against him during their three meetings this fall.”

When asked how he would grade President Obama, Mitt Romney told CBS News he would give him an “F” in every area, including foreign policy and the economy.

Said Romney: “Oh, an ‘F,’ no question about that,” adding that the grade applies “across the board.”

Peggy Noonan: “Both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama have risen to the top of the American political system in an intensely political era. And yet neither loves politics or appears to have a particularly oversized gift for it. This is a central and amazing fact of the national election.”

“Mr. Obama has become actively bad at politics. Here is an example of how bad. Anyone good at politics does not pick a fight with the Catholic Church during a presidential year. Really, you just don’t. Because there’s about 75 million Catholics in America, and the half of them who go to church will get mad. The other half won’t like it either…”

“Mr. Romney, too, has had his bad moments. Donald Trump this week is an example. Mr. Trump brings with him the freak-show aspects of the primaries. Mr. Romney has to kick away from that, start a new chapter, begin an appeal to the sane center. Does he think keeping Trump close gains him some kind of right-wing street cred? My goodness, who does he think lives on that street?”

The Federal Election Commission has approved Gary Johnson’s request for primary season matching funds, according to Ballot Access News.

The only other presidential candidate who has received primary season matching funds this year is Buddy Roemer, but he is no longer seeking the presidency.