Former Democratic Rep. Artur Davis to speak at Republican convention

Rep. Artur Davis, with his wife Tara, concedes the Democratic gubernatorial race to Ron Sparks during a speech at the Harbert Center in Birmingham, Ala., Tues. June 1, 2010.

/ MARK ALMOND

(CBS News) The Republican National Committee (RNC) on Thursday announced six new convention speakers, including a handful of people thought to have been considered potential running mates for Mitt Romney as well as former Democratic Rep. Artur Davis, a co-chairman of President Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and current Romney supporter.

According to an email from the RNC, New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, and Ohio Senator Rob Portman will all speak this August at the convention in Tampa.

Connie Mack, who is running for Senate in Florida, was also added to the lineup.

"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," said Reince Priebus, RNC chair, 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."

Priebus pointed to Davis as someone who can "give voice to the frustration and disappointment felt among those who supported President Obama in 2008 and are now hungry for a new direction."

Davis, an African-American who unsuccessfully ran for governor of Alabama as a Democrat in 2010 before joining the GOP, was a prominent supporter of Mr. Obama and even seconded his nomination at the 2008 Democratic convention. Wednesday, Davis accused Vice President Joe Biden of using racially divisive rhetoric. And Thursday, Davis penned an opinion article for National Review criticizing the president's "hidden-hand politics" and suggested the president's campaign tactics resemble "that great hidden-hand stone thrower, Richard Nixon."  

The GOP convention will take place at the end of August in Tampa, Fla. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has been tapped to be the event's keynote speaker.

[audemus]

The republicans keep dragging these "converts" out like they were the geeks in some parking lot carnival sideshow.

"Step right up and see the two-headed snake..."

[TJphoto]

Republicans, what they say and what they do are two different things. They have a history of that. Trickle down is really trickle up.

[RollotheNorman]

Artur Davis and Connie Mack, is Willard worried about FL?

[redought]

Hussein should be,but it won't help.

[RollotheNorman]

Don't think the POTUS is sweating FL much, it's full of retired Jewish former NYer's. I'm sure they just love Ryan's Medicare fixes, NOT.

[e391615r]

He's to stupid to realize the republiCON party could careless about him. He's being used as a TOKEN and will be back under his rock once his speech is over! Who cares - NOT ME!!

[MadMaxxMad]

Every time a black man has more conservative views, there are a few Democrats that love to start calling him an uncle tom. It is strange how the Republicans are currently seeking less government, but the democrats want more free stuff, therefore more big government. Thomas Sowell American black author likes to refer to it as "Race Hustling" He says obamas team plays that card well. However, I'm sure "scribe_111" also would consider one of the smartest men in the United States an Uncle Tom.
George Bush 1 Trillion in debt 2 Wars - 8 years of Office - Obama 5 Trillion in debt - 4 Wars - 3 years in office worse job outlook of any modern day president.
Pull your head out of your *** - Romney/Ryan 2012

[lesserof2evil]

Obama/Biden 2012
Because they paid their taxes

[Robert_G_Ingersoll]

@MadMaxxMad

If you knew the history of Artur Davis you would know that he is nothing more than an Uncle Tom cooning it up for White Folk.

He has been so disappointed when an overwhelming number of Blacks voted for a White candidate over him that he has never been able to forget it. He lost to Ron Sparks by almost 40% of the vote.

[MadMaxxMad]

Every time a black man has more conservative views, there are a few Democrats that love to start calling him an uncle tom. It is strange how the Republicans are currently seeking less government, but the democrats want more free stuff, therefore more big government. Thomas Sowell American black author likes to refer to it as "Race Hustling" He says obamas team plays that card well. However, I'm sure "scribe_111" also would consider one of the smartest men in the United States an Uncle Tom.
George Bush 1 Trillion in debt 2 Wars - 8 years of Office - Obama 5 Trillion in debt - 4 Wars - 3 years in office worse job outlook of any modern day president.
Pull your head out of your *** - Romney/Ryan 2012

[krystal1p]

A prominent previous supporter of Obama, who is black, is deserting the ship. Certainly he knows what happened to Corey Booker after the goons left his office. Smart man, he has picked a winner. Let's see if he can stand the heat. Good for you Mr. Davis.

[twmat311]

And in the process of joining the GOP, he takes a nasty swipe at Mr. Nixon, a Republican President who is no longer able to defend himself. Nice.

[Robert_G_Ingersoll]

If you knew the history of Artur Davis you would know that he is nothing more than an Uncle Tom cooning it up for White Folk.

He has been so disappointed when an overwhelming number of Blacks voted for a White candidate over him that he has never been able to forget it. He lost to Ron Sparks by almost 40% of the vote.

[scribe_111]

Uncle tom speaks at rethug convention.

"ART-er" davis

[krystal1p]

scribe-111-hater, go back under your rock.

[redought]

Racist liberal....showing your true "colors"