6 former rivals to speak out for Trump at convention

CLEVELAND — Much of the news media’s focus in the run-up to the Republican National Convention here has been on presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump’s political rivals who are boycotting the event: People such as Jeb Bush, his brother former President George W. Bush, 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney and host-state Gov. John Kasich.

Of Trump’s original 16 rivals, six have accepted invitations to speak at the convention, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a vice presidential short-lister who was passed over when Trump chose Indiana Gov. Mike Pence instead.

But the speaker’s list also includes former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who spoke on Monday. And Dr. Ben Carson, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Trump’s longest-fighting rival, Texas Gov. Ted Cruz, are all scheduled to speak later in the week. So while the entire Republican Party might not be unified behind Trump, several former rivals have buried the hatchet.

— Steve Sebelius