A long-time strategist to former Republican presidential contender Rick Santorum told The Hill that Mitt Romney’s campaign risks a backlash from conservatives if the ex-Pennsylvania senator isn’t awarded a prominent role at the 2012 Republican National Convention later this month in Tampa, Fla.
John Brabender, a veteran aide to Santorum, said conservatives will be “quite disturbed” if Santorum is not asked to address attendees at the convention.
“To have him front and center would seem strategically like the right thing to do,” Brabender said.
Brabender also told The Hill that Santorum will spearhead an organizing event at the convention intended to build support for Romney.
The Republican National Commitee on Monday disclosed the names of a number of notable Republicans, including Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and Condoleezza Rice, who are slated to speak at the party’s convention. Santorum, who was locked in an often-cotentious campaign with Romney during the Republican nomination contest earlier this year, has yet to be given a speaking role.