DNC plans feature for GOP leader on 2 of 3 nights

http://www.politico.com/blogs/charlie-mahtesian/2012/08/sizing-up-the-convention-turncoats-131710.html?hp=r3

Mike Allen’s Friday scoop on details of Democratic National Convention planning spotlighted a phenomenon that seems to be a staple of the modern national convention: the turncoat speech.

From Mike's report:

Convention planners are considering featuring a centrist Republican leader on at least two of the three nights. Nightly remotes from swing states may include a CEO or “major Republican.” On Wednesday night, a “notable GOP woman” is among the possible participants. And on the final night, Democrats may include a Republican leader — someone like former Sens. John Warner or Chuck Hagel — or a GOP woman.

In recent conventions, the GOP has managed to outpace Democrats in its ability to produce big name defectors. In 2004, it was Democratic Sen. Zell Miller – a sitting senator and former Democratic convention keynoter – who lashed John Kerry with a north Georgia stemwinder. Four years later, came another big high-profile get: the 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee, Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, who spoke on John McCain’s behalf.

The top GOP turncoat to appear at the 2008 Democratic convention, former Iowa Rep. Jim Leach, paled in comparison.

It’s not clear whether the GOP is ready to roll out anyone of Miller or Lieberman stature in Tampa. One name that arises as a top prospect is Artur Davis, the former Alabama Democratic congressman and onetime rising star who broke bitterly with the Democratic Party following his 2010 gubernatorial primary defeat. But for pure shock value, he hardly compares with Miller or Lieberman.