First GOP convention speakers announced

— -- Sen. John McCain, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee are among the first speakers named for this month's Republican National Convention in Tampa.

The list, which was first reported by the Tampa Bay Times and later confirmed by the  Associated Press, also includes four current GOP governors: Florida's Rick Scott, South Carolina's Nikki Haley, Ohio's John Kasich and New Mexico's  Susana Martinez.

The keynote speaker and other headliners will be announced closer to the Aug. 27-30 convention, where Mitt Romney will officially become the party's 2012 presidential nominee.

"Ours will be a world-class convention, worthy of the next president of the United States, and these speakers — and those that will be announced later — will help make it a truly memorable and momentous event," RNC chairman Reince Priebus said.

Noticeably missing from Sunday's list of announced speakers are the most frequently talked about vice presidential contenders, including former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

The eventual VP pick will get a prominent speaking slot at the convention.