TAMPA, Fla. — This is unwelcome news for Mitt Romney: Florida Gov. Rick Scott expects a high-profile speaking slot at the Republican National Convention.
“I would hope so,” he told a newspaper editorial board this week when asked whether he anticipates giving a prime-time speech in Tampa.
Nothing says “Elect Mitt Romney!” like an unpopular multimillionaire awkwardly making the case on national TV.
We’re 100 days out, and convention organizers are just starting to tackle one of the trickiest and most important elements of the convention — selecting the speakers.
It’s a matter of juggling monumental political egos, precious little time for maximum TV exposure, appeasing people whose help is needed and ensuring the best message comes through to win over swing voters just starting to focus on the presidential contest.
“How much lobbying is there? More lobbying than on an oil pipeline,” said Democratic strategist Bob Shrum, who played a key role in putting together John Kerry’s 2004 convention in Boston.
Read more at POLITICO.
