The Republican National Committee selected Del. Paul C. Harris, R-Albemarle this week to speak at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia.
"I'm very excited [about speaking] and I can't stop giggling," Harris said.
Harris is scheduled to speak on July 31 for three minutes on the convention's opening night theme: "Opportunity with a Purpose: Leave No Child Behind."
Harris said that when he drafts his speech he will incorporate education and personal responsibility into the talk.
The delegates to the convention formally will nominate Texas Gov. George W. Bush as the Republican presidential candidate.
Harris said he supports Bush because of his "creative vision for education reform," his stance on Social Security reform and his commitment to rebuild America's armed forces to the way they were when Bush's father was president.
He also said he believes Bush will carry Virginia in the presidential election.
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Harris, the first black republican ever voted to the Virginia General Assembly, said Bush is making strides to reverse the "disturbing trend," of Republicans not effectively communicating their message to black voters.
Larry J. Sabato, prof. of government and foreign affairs and director of the Center for Governmental Studies, said he thought Harris was chosen to speak for two reasons: first because he is a republican black public office holder, which is a "rare breed." Second, because Harris is a very good public speaker who will hold the "rude" convention audience's attention.
Alex Theodoridis, program director for the University's Center for Governmental Studies, said the Republican convention generally highlights up-and-coming leaders.
"It showcases young talent," Theodoridis said.
"Both parties view the African-American community as a critical contingency group," he said.
Harris also said 80 percent of blacks that are eligible to vote usually vote for Democrats.
Harris said he has not yet decided if he is going to run for lieutenant governor, a post he has been considering for some time.
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