Marco Rubio to speak at Georgia GOP convention

State Republicans officials hoping to turn the party's May convention in Athens into a showcase for White House contenders have locked down their first confirmed presidential candidate.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is set to speak on Friday, May 15 around 3 p.m. Other possibilities include ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Rubio, who announced his presidential bid earlier this month, has some ground to make up in Georgia. Other candidates, including Huckabee and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, have deep ties here. And fellow Floridian Jeb Bush has already made several high-profile visits.