The Romneys in Iowa (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Organizers of the Republican National Convention are moving Ann Romney's speech to Tuesday night after the three major television networks opted against airing convention coverage on Monday.
According to GOP officials, Romney, the wife of presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney, will swap speaking slots with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who had been set to speak on Tuesday, so that her remarks will air in prime time.
Earlier Friday, Russ Schriefer, a senior adviser to the Romney campaign, told reporters convention organizers were still hopeful the networks might change their minds and air Ann Romney's speech. But by late Friday, they gave in and pushed Romney's speech back a day to give her remarks better coverage.
On Friday afternoon, rumors swirled that Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to introduce Mitt Romney on Thursday, might have to give up his speaking slot—prompting panic among some Republicans who remain disappointed that he was not picked to be Romney's running mate.
Matt Rhoades, Romney's campaign manager, said in a statement to reporters that Rubio had been "incredibly gracious to offer his speaking slot" to Romney's wife, but the campaign still wanted him to speak ahead of Romney on Thursday.
"Sen. Rubio represents the future of the Republican Party, and we can think of no better person to introduce Gov. Romney on this important night," Rhoades said.