VP Shortlisters to Speak at RNC

Jindal, Portman, Ayotte, McDonnell among latest speakers named
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 16, 2012 10:00 AM CDT
VP Shortlisters to Speak at RNC
In this April 30, 2012 file photo, Mitt Romney listens as he is introduced by Sen. Kelly Ayotte in Portsmouth, NH.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)

Bobby Jindal, Rob Portman, Kelly Ayotte, and Bob McDonnell were among the names being tossed around as likely VP picks for Mitt Romney—and though they didn't make the cut, all of the above will be speaking at the Republican National Convention, which starts Aug. 27 in Tampa, CNN reports. The latest speaker announcement also includes Rep. Connie Mack, who recently won the Senate primary in Florida, and Artur Davis, the Obama 2008 campaign co-chair who is now campaigning for Romney.

"This exciting group of headliners includes two successful governors, two outstanding senators, the next senator from our convention state, and a former co-chairman of the 2008 Obama campaign," RNC Chairman Reince Priebus wrote in a statement. "The perspectives and ideas they bring to the convention stage will show all Americans that Romney and Ryan are the ticket to a better future." Chris Christie was recently named keynote speaker, and past announcements listed such prominent speakers as Marco Rubio, Condoleezza Rice, John McCain, and Jeb Bush. (More vice presidential candidate stories.)

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