Meet the Republican National Convention speakers

This year’s selection of speakers each have support from differing bases around the country and within the party, as Republicans attempt to broaden their appeal to voters.

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Artur Davis

Former Rep. Artur Davis, who served in the House as a Democrat from Alabama from 2003 to 2011, says he has been given a speaking slot at the Aug. 27-30 Republican National Convention in Tampa. At the 2008 Democratic convention, Davis officially seconded President Obama’s nomination. He has since become a vocal supporter of GOP candidate Mitt Romney.

Michael S. Williamson / The Washington Post

Chris Christie

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will deliver the keynote address at the Republican convention. Christie, an outspoken first-term governor, was once considered a candidate for Mitt Romney's running mate.

Mel Evans / AP

Marco Rubio

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) will introduce Mitt Romney on the last night of the Republican convention. Rubio has campaigned with Romney and was considered to be on the short list for a vice presidential nod.

John Locher / AP

Rick Santorum

The former senator from Pennsylvania campaigned hard against Mitt Romney in the GOP primaries, winning several states but never overtaking Romney in the delegate count. He has a focus on social conservatism but will likely promote party unity as a speaker.

Charlie Riedel / AP

Rand Paul

The selection of the senator from Kentucky as a speaker is likely an effort to woo his tea party supporters, many of whom are not strictly tied to the Republican Party.

Brendan Hoffman / Getty Images

Jeb Bush

The former Florida governor and son of former president George H.W. Bush has been thought of as both a possible presidential and vice-presidential candidate throughout this race. His selection as a speaker may be related to his active stance on education reform.

Wilfredo Lee / AP

Mary Fallin

In addition to being the first woman elected to Congress from Oklahoma since the 1920s, Fallin was also the first woman to serve both as lieutenant governor and governor (her current post) of the state. Her selection as a speaker is likely an effort to gain more female support for the GOP.

Garett Fisbeck / AP

Nikki Haley

An Indian American and at 40 years old currently the youngest sitting governor, the South Carolina leader may have been selected to exhibit the youth and diversity of the Republican Party.

Mary Ann Chastain / AP

John Kasich

Kasich's selection as a speaker could be tied to the fact that he is the governor of Ohio, a crucial swing state for Republicans in this year's race.

Tony Dejak / AP

Rick Scott

Like Kasich, Scott is also a freshman governor from a crucial swing state in this year's race: Florida. He has also endured a rough first few years as governor, garnering him support within the party.

Alex Wong / Getty Images

Condoleezza Rice

The secretary of state during the George W. Bush administration will play a large role at the convention as a speaker, as she may appeal to moderate voters and reassure concerns over Romney's foreign policy credentials.

Rogelio V. Solis / AP

Susana Martinez

The New Mexico governor may represent the Republicans' effort to reach out to Hispanic voters, as she is a successful leader serving a heavily Democratic state.

Susan Montoya Bryan / AP

Mike Huckabee

The 2008 GOP presidential hopeful and Fox News commentator’s success at communicating with voters nationally may have earned him this speaker spot. The ordained Southern Baptist Minister and former Arkansas governor also appeals to Christian conservatives.

J. Scott Applewhite / AP

John McCain

The Arizona senator is a fixture in the Republican Party. While he edged out Romney for the party’s nomination in 2008, McCain has been a vocal supporter of the presumptive nominee in this year’s campaign.

Don Burk / AP

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