Cory Booker Will Speak at Democratic Convention

Newark Mayor Cory Booker will speak at the Democratic convention after all, indicating an apparent loosening in the tense relationship he's had with party leaders since criticizing the Obama campaign's targeting of Mitt Romney's record as head of Bain Capital.
 

According to the Bergen Country Record, the choice of the Booker "means New Jersey will have highly placed speakers at both party conventions, with Gov. Christie preparing to deliver the keynote speech on Wednesday at the Republican convention in Tampa, Fla."
 

Booker, the newspaper pointed out, is often mentioned "as Christie's foil" and as a possible gubernatorial candidate in next year's election. He also has been floated as a possible contender for the Senate seat now held by Democrat Frank Lautenberg, who is not expected to seek re-election when his present term expires in 2014.
 

The Newark mayor is scheduled to speak on the first night of the convention in Charlotte next month and will be among several speakers delivering what amounts to a rundown on the differences between what the Democratic Party and Republican Party platforms stand for.