Marco Rubio Chosen to Introduce Mitt Romney

Republican National Chairman Reince Priebus announced Tuesday morning that freshman Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, 41-year-old son of Cuban immigrants, one of the party's brightest stars, has been chosen to introduce presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney at the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

"This will firmly establish Marco as the man to watch in the GOP," said political consultant Joel Endelman. "He gets a chance to shine in his own state, a state Romney has to have to win the White House. The boy is on his way."

On Monday, Rubio warmly and enthusiastically introduced Romney, who in turn spent as much time promoting Rubio and his choice for running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.

Rubio will go to Texas Wednesday to help raise money for Romney. In a letter to prospective donors, Rubio continued the theme of his earlier statement on the vice presidential selection, calling Ryan a "courageous reformer" and an "inspired choice."

"Marco Rubio symbolizes the greatness of the American dream. He is the perfect leader to introduce Mitt Romney when he accepts his nomination. We are an extraordinary country because we have fought to preserve individual liberties that are the heartbeat of opportunity and achievement. Senator Rubio has experienced this in his own life, which will help him bring tremendous focus to how Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan's agenda will lead the way to a better tomorrow," said Republican National Convention Chief Executive Officer William Harris.

Priebus also announced early Tuesday that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a favorite among tea party and fiscal conservatives, will give the convention's keynote address.