Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry and former President Jimmy Carter have been added to the speakers list next week at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo.

Reed, who is widely considered a respected voice on military affairs in the Senate, is among the roster of speakers for Wednesday, Aug. 27, when national security will be the theme.

The Democratic National Committee on Tuesday announced that Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley also would speak that day.

Reed has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential pick for Barack Obama. But lately other prospects, such as Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh and Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, have garnered much more attention.

Reed's presence on the ticket could help Obama burnish his national security credentials. The West Point graduate and former Army Ranger with a low-key personality has emerged as one of his party's leading anti-war voices.

Carter also was added to the program for Monday, the first day of the convention.

Several governors and union leaders also have been added to the roster.

Click here to see the latest schedule of speakers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.