Clinton, Kennedy to Speak at DNC Convention

WASHINGTON – Former President Clinton and Sen. Edward Kennedy (search) of Massachusetts will have prime speaking slots at the Democratic National Convention (search) in Boston next month.

Key speakers at the Republican convention in late August and early September in New York City will include California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (search) and Sen. John McCain (search) of Arizona.

Clinton is scheduled to speak July 26, the opening night of the four-day convention, and Kennedy will address the audience the second day, Democratic officials said Monday. The vice presidential pick will speak July 28, and presumed Democratic nominee John Kerry will close the convention July 29 with his acceptance speech.

Kerry's former rivals plus Rep. Dennis Kucinich (search) of Ohio and Al Sharpton (search), who remain in the primary race, will have a role at the convention, although officials haven't decided what that will be.

The Republican convention, which begins Aug. 30 in New York City, will feature opening comments by former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani (search), New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (search) and McCain, according to the Republican Party.

First lady Laura Bush, Secretary of Education Rod Paige and Schwarzenegger will address the audience in prime time on the second night.

Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne Cheney, and Democratic Sen. Zell Miller (search) of Georgia will continue with speeches on Wednesday, the third night of the convention.

On the final evening, New York Gov. George Pataki (search) will introduce President Bush, who will close the convention with his acceptance speech.