DENVER — So Mitt, let’s get this out of the way. How many homes do YOU have.

“One less than John Kerry. That’s four,” Mitt Romney told reporters at a lunch here today.

We had to ask him something, considering that Romney evaded about a dozen questions regarding his potential selection as John McCain’s running mate with responses such as: “I’m going to direct you to his campaign. I’ve got nothing for you … “

So the number of homes seemed fertile turf. If you had a half-billion bucks, how many houses would you call your own? Three? Thirty?

Romney, battle-tested from his own presidential campaign this year, was ready for that line of inquiry. Especially since this homeowner business could, perversely, scotch his hopes for ending up on the Republican ticket if GOP pollsters start seeing Democratic attacks on wealth hitting home with voters.

“I don’t think the politics of envy end up being successful in the final analysis,” Romney said, referring to the Barack Obama ads recalling McCain’s forgetfulness about the number of properties he owns.

Not one to take flight from harsh politics, Romney showed his willingness to sound the McCain campaign line, bringing up two of Obama’s fellow Chicagoans, SDSer William Ayers and convicted influence-peddler Tony Rezko.

“If homes is going to be the topic of discussion, I think Barack Obama is going to end up on the short end of the stick,” Romney said.

Other remarks of note:

– “Rest assured, there are places where Sen. McCain and I have differences on issues.”

– “In my view, the Republican Party was neglectful in straying from some of the fundamental beliefs of our party.” (Like fiscal conservatism.)

– “Where Sen. McCain is today I find a remarkable achievement, if you will, the celebrity status that has been lavished on Barack Obama.”