Former Obama supporter Artur Davis to speak at Republican convention

Former Democratic Rep. Artur Davis (Ala.) will speak at the Republican National Convention later this month in Tampa, Fla., the Republican National Committee (RNC) announced Thursday.

Davis co-chaired President Obama's 2008 campaign and seconded his nomination at that year’s Democratic National Convention, but aligned himself with Republicans after losing a Democratic gubernatorial primary in 2010.

Davis campaigned with Mitt Romney on Wednesday in Virginia.

The RNC also announced speaking slots for four former potential vice presidential candidates: Sen. Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Sen. Rob Portman (Ohio), Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. Florida Rep. Connie Mack, who will face Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) in a bid for Senate later this year, will also speak.

“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,” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said 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. Former Congressman Davis especially will give voice to the frustration and disappointment felt among those who supported President Obama in 2008 and are now hungry for a new direction.”

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) will deliver the keynote address and freshman Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (R) will introduce Romney before the presumptive nominee's own speech at the convention.

---