Rubio recently introduced Romney at an event in Miami. Rubio to introduce Romney

Sen. Marco Rubio may have been passed over for the GOP vice presidential nod, but he will have time in the spotlight later this month at the Republican National Convention: Rubio is set to introduce Mitt Romney before his speech accepting the nomination, the Tampa Bay Times reported Tuesday.

Rubio, the charismatic lawmaker leader who represents the critical battleground state of Florida, has been stumping for Romney for months, and introduced the candidate at a Monday event in Miami, according to the Times.


( Also on POLITICO: GOP pros fret over Ryan)

Another high-profile convention confirmation surfaced overnight: the brash and colorful New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will deliver the keynote address at the event.

Politico is partnering with the Tampa Bay Times in covering the 2012 election.