GOP Speakers Include Condi, Cruz, and Santorum

In National Journal’s Republican National Convention Update this week, the lineup of speakers is starting to fill in, including some major names within the party; convention organizers are having a tough time managing it all; and lobbyists may find schmoozing at the conventions a challenge in the age of austerity.

GOP Speakers Include Condi, Cruz, and Santorum
[National Journal, 8/8/12] Ted Cruz, the Republican Senate nominee in Texas, and Scott Walker, the governor of Wisconsin, are two of the latest speakers to be added to the lineup at the Republican convention. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Sen. John McCain, former Sen. Rick Santorum, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Sen. Rand Paul, and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush are also speaking. See a gallery of the full list so far.

Convention Challenge: VIP Speakers Who Send the Wrong Message
[National Journal, 8/7/12] Those charged with devising the lineup for a party’s nominating convention have egos to stroke, aesthetics to consider, and dramas to avoid. What to do with North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue and Florida Gov. Rick Scott, two of the least popular governors in the country, is just one of the problems.

Ron Paul Supporters, GOP Continue to Bicker
[U.S. News & World Report, 7/30/12] One of the names missing from the speaking roster is Rep. Ron Paul, the boisterous presidential candidate whose anti-Fed rants became legend on the trail. His intense followers are now fighting with the RNC. 

Convention Austerity: Partying Like It’s 2012
[National Journal, 8/8/12] In an era of crunched budgets and economic gloom, party planning and schmoozing have gotten trickier for Washington organizations seeking a presence at the conventions in Tampa and Charlotte.

Conventions Lose Appeal for D.C. Lobbyists
[Roll Call, 8/6/12] The sluggish economy, new restrictions on contributions, and anti-corporate sentiment—not to mention fewer members of Congress attending—has zapped the fun from the conventions for some political players.

Convention Says Fundraising on Track
[Associated Press, 7/31/12] Republican convention organizers say they are on track to meet their fundraising goals, but have not released specifics.

Willie Nelson Signs on For RNC Concert
[Politico, 7/31/12] Country music legend Willie Nelson is headlining a concert hosted by Got Your 6, a nonpartisan group aimed at helping military veterans, during the Republican National Convention on Aug. 29. A week later, rapper Flo Rida will perform at the Democratic convention to benefit the same organization.

RNC Music Scene Will Be Exclusive
[Tampa Bay Times, 8/5/12] The Republican convention will draw big-name music acts like Kid Rock and Journey. But most events are invitation-only shows for celebrities, corporate sponsors, and VIPs—and they are not cheap.

Jimmy Carter to Speak by Video at Democratic Convention 
[USA Today, 8/7/12] Former President Carter won't be attending the Democratic convention, but he'll address the gathering by videotape. He promises to offer “unique insights.” Other speakers include former President Clinton and Julian Castro, the 37-year-old mayor of San Antonio, Texas, who is a rising star in Democratic politics.

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