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Speculation Swirls Around Crist's Speech

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By WILLIAM MARCH

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 21, 2008

Updated: 08/21/2008 12:44 am

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has been scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention on the same night Arizona Sen. John McCain will give his acceptance speech for the nomination.

Crist will speak on the night of Sept. 4, as will Florida Sen. Mel Martinez.

The theme for that night will be peace.

It will "reflect McCain's vision of an America in pursuit of peace and seen as a beacon of goodwill and hope throughout the world," the Republican Party's schedule for the convention in St. Paul, Minn., says.

Crist had no comment on the speech or what he might say.

"We're focused on the storm and the health, safety and welfare of Floridians," said spokeswoman Erin Isaac.

There has been speculation that Thursday night's slot is proof that Crist is out of contention as McCain's running mate choice because the vice presidential nominee will be the star a night earlier during the four-day convention.

University of Virginia political analyst Larry Sabato says there's no point in trying to analyze the schedule for clues: "Those tea leaves can be shuffled at a moment's notice," meaning the schedule can be changed.

"It's all designed just to keep everyone guessing and speculating, generating more coverage," Sabato said.

"Of course, we comply - like Charlie Brown trying to kick Lucy's football," Sabato said.

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