First batch of RNC speakers announced

The Tampa Bay Times reports that these seven names have all been scheduled to deliver headline speeches at the GOP convention later this month.

a. Condoleezza Rice

b. John McCain

c. Florida Gov. Rick Scott

d. Ohio Gov. John Kasich

e. Mike Huckabee

f. New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez

g. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley

Four of those names have been mentioned at the very fringes of Veep chatter (Condi, Martinez, Haley, and Huckabee).

Noticeably absent from today's list? Any first or second tier Veep prospect.

That being said, it's a pretty strong list of speakers.

Nikki Haley and Susana Martinez are nods to the GOP's future, Mike Huckabee will appeal to social conservatives, Condoleezza Rice to independents, and Rick Scott and John Kasich are governors (albeit unpopular ones) of important states.

Of course, more speakers will be revealed as time progresses...