Democratic National Committee Convention

Ex-Gov. Mitt Romney (R): Getty Images PhotoThe Associated Press reports that one week from today, former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Belmont) will join other prominent Republicans in taking part in counter-efforts to the Democratic National Committee Convention in Denver, Colorado.

On Tues., Aug. 26, the ex-presidential contender will travel to the Centennial State to try and knock the Democrats off message. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is one of Romney's top rivals to be John McCain's running mate, will speak in Denver that day, too.

The move is expanding on a tactic the Republicans used during the 2004 DNC Convention held in Boston.

Senators Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and John Kerry (D-Boston): Getty Images PhotoAfter several waves of schedule announcements, the Democratic National Committee Convention has finally announced U.S. Sen. John Kerry's speaking slot for next week in Denver.

The 2004 nominee will deliver a prime-time speech on Wednesday night, which has the theme of "Securing America’s Future." Obama's as-of-yet unannounced vice presidential candidate will also be speaking that night, the convention's third. Senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and Joe Biden (D-Del.), who are also widely rumored to be top prospects for Obama's running mates, will speak Wednesday night as well.

Obama is to accept the nomination on Thursday night.

Other speakers on Wednesday night include former President Bill Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.), former Senate Leader Tom Daschle (S.D.), Gov. Bill Richardson (N.M.), Senate Select Intelligence Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (W.V.), Senators Jack Reed (R.I.) and Ken Salazar (Col.), House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (S.C.), Representatives Patrick Murphy (D-Penn.) and Robert Wexler (D-Flor.), Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth.