GOP Convention Speakers Announced; Keynote Remains Mystery
Organizers of the GOP National Convention in August have prepared a list of prime Republican speakers ahead of Mitt Romney's acceptance of his party's presidential nomination.
Although the keynote speaker was not yet named, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez were among two of the names on the speaker list – both were the first female governors of their states. Martinez is also the first female Hispanic governor in the U.S.
Other notable speakers include Sen. John McCain of Arizona who last against President Barack Obama in the race for the White House four years ago, as well as former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, another former presidential candidate. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is also going to be speaking.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Florida Gov. Rick Scott will also participate, who's state plays host to this year's convention, and he will be joined by Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who attempted to clinch the 2000 GOP presidential nomination.
"They are some of our party's brightest stars, who have governed and led effectively and admirably in their respective roles," said Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus before the names were announced. "These speakers – and those that will be announced later – will help make it a truly memorable and momentous event."
The vice presidential running mate for Mitt Romney is also set to be announced at the convention, and it speculated that he or she will not be the keynote speaker.
Besides being a platform to build up the current presidential candidate and prepare him for the November elections, the national convention can also serve to give upcoming politicians a chance to mingle with very high-profile politicians and get their name across for future runs – much like Obama did after his 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston while he was then a junior senator from Illinois.
