2012 Republican National Convention participant Mitt Romney
The 2012 Republican National Convention was a gathering held by the U.S. Republican Party during which delegates officially nominated former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin for president and vice president, respectively, for the 2012 election. Prominent members of the party delivered speeches and discussed the convention theme, "A Better Future." The convention was held during the week of August 27, 2012, in Tampa, Florida at the Tampa Bay Times Forum (now Amalie Arena). The city, which expected demonstrations and possible vandalism, used a federal grant to bolster its police force in preparation. Due to the approach of Hurricane Isaac, convention officials changed the convention schedule on August 26, 2012; the convention came to order on August 27, 2012 and then immediately recessed until the following afternoon because of the risk of Isaac hitting Tampa.Nominations
According to Fox News and Associated Press delegate projections, Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts, clinched the Republican presidential nomination in the Texas primary on May 29, 2012 and became the party's presumptive nominee. Two weeks before the convention, on August 11, Romney announced Paul Ryan as his running mate. The decision made Ryan the first major party vice presidential candidate from Wisconsin.Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich formally released their delegates in the week before the convention and encouraged them to vote for Romney. Ron Paul retained his delegates, as part of an overall strategy to influence the party. The final composition of several delegations was subject to ruling of the Committee on Contests.
The traditional roll call of the states, which permits delegates to promote their home states, took place on Tuesday, August 28, 2012, the first full day of the convention.Connie Mack IV,  United States Representative from Florida's 14th congressional district and 2012 Republican nominee from Florida for U.S. Senate.
Newt Gingrich, former Republican Speaker of the House and 2012 Presidential candidate & his wife, Callista Gingrich.
Craig Romney, son of Mitt Romney.
Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida accompanied by teacher Sean Duffy and former student Frantz Placide.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, United States Representative for Washington's 5th congressional district.
Grant Bennett, CEO of CPS Technologies and former consultant of Bain Capital.
Ted and Pat Oparowsky and Pam Finlayson from Mitt Romney's former congregation
Bob White, chairman of Romney for President campaign.
Thomas G. Stemberg, founder of Staples Inc.
Ray Fernandez, owner of Vida Pharmacy
Kerry Healey, former Lt. Governor of Massachusetts.
Jane Edmonds, former Massachusetts Secretary of Workforce.
Clint Eastwood, actor; he was confirmed to be the "mystery speaker" that had been subject of media speculation since the opening day of the convention.
Marco Rubio, United States Senator from Florida.
Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts and nominee for President of the United States.