Romney campaign contemplating bumping Rubio for Ann Romney
Tampa, Florida (CNN) - The Mitt Romney campaign is considering a dramatic scheduling change for the GOP convention to guarantee his wife, Ann, a much larger national audience – but the shift could also cause tensions with a rising GOP star and Latinos, CNN has learned.
If Ann Romney is moved to Thursday night, she would introduce her husband and bump Sen. Marco Rubio from that role. GOP sources confirm such a move is under consideration but stress, like many other convention scheduling questions, no final decision has been made.
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Initially, there had been talk of moving Ann Romney from Monday to Tuesday, which could overshadow or compete with the keynote address of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. If the Ann Romney to Thursday shift is made, one of the sources told CNN Rubio likely would slide back to Tuesday, which has some of his advisers upset.
The Romney campaign is contemplating this move, because the broadcast networks have no plans to air the opening night of the convention, which Ann Romney is scheduled to headline. Those networks do plan limited coverage of the remaining three days.
A Romney campaign spokeswoman declined to discuss any hypothetical scheduling moves.
Ann Romney is considered by many people to be one of her husband's strongest surrogates by helping to soften up his image as a calculated businessman.
But the move could also create problems for Romney with Latino voters – specifically Cubans in South Florida – who are considered a key constituency in helping Romney in his bid to win Florida. Cuban Americans traditionally vote Republican and many view Rubio as a future presidential candidate himself.
They care nothing for any minority. Gays, Blacks, Latinos, Seniors, Students. They're still trying to pander to some women (in rhetoric but not in their offensive, antiquated policy) in hopes of getting some votes. But they'll throw any grp under the bus if it's politically expedient.
To me it will not matter if Ann Romney speaks or not. There is nothing she will say that will change the way women will vote in 2012.
Obama cares more about not taking women rights back into the 17th, 18th or 19 century!
Pathetic idiots of GOP.
This is a preview of a horse-Mitt presidency. He will do anything to please Ann, forget everyone else (especially latinos, gays, the poor and females).
OBAMA 2012!!!
Can't decide which Clown to use. Hahahahahaahah
Does Mrs. Romney actually hold a leadership position within the GOP equal to or higher than someone of Mr. Rubio's stature?
No, she is just a (very) rich man's wife.
Anne is only considered an asset because Mitt is such a stiff. If people get to know her better, they'll dislike her as well. She's obnoxious and just as snooty as Mitt.
The "we don't have to show YOU people our taxes" woman? Doesn't matter when they put her on the podium, she will just be Mitt's lap dog for a half hour or so, restating all the rhetoric about her wonderful husband.
Forgot to say.... hope they show her horse on the big screen in the background dressage dancing. Now that would be funny!
mitt robme is gonna use and dump you!!!
marco rubio is a token illegal who should "self-deport"....compared to that stepford wife of his!!!!
Oh, please. Rubio is a child.