Report: Chris Christie To Give Keynote At RNC In Tampa
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will give the keynote address at this summer's Republican National Convention in Tampa, according to a report.
The New York Post reported that word was quietly going out to Republican activists to make sure not to miss the activities on Tuesday, August 28 because of Christie's presence.
"We've been told that's the night to be there, that's when the governor is going to speak. They're saying he's the keynoter," a party activist told the Post.
1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports
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When contacted by WCBS 880, the governor's office would not comment.
Political onlookers claim securing the keynote address is a big coo for Christie.
"The only person who is more important than the keynote, typically, is the person who is being nominated, so he's really going to be front and center," Fairleigh Dickinson University political scientist Peter Woolley said.
The honor likely disqualifies the governor from being Mitt Romney's running mate but it sets the brash, tough-talking ex-prosecutor up for 2016.
"Chris Christie is an excellent speaker but that does not guarantee a good performance," Woolley said. "Plenty of people have gotten into that spotlight and blown it."
The 2008 keynote was given by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
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