New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will have a significant role at the Republican National Convention in August, as he has been tapped to deliver the keynote address.

Hecklers beware: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will be giving the keynote address at the Republican National Convention in August.

Chances are Christie won't be as blunt as he has been with some hecklers when he talks to the nation from Tampa next month. But don't expect Mr. Rogers, either. Christie earned his nationwide reputation for being tough, especially against public sector unions.

"I think that he's the kind of person that will get people excited," said Alfred Doblin of The Record (N.J.). "And I think that's a good contrast to the presumed nominee, Mitt Romney.

Months ago, some Republicans practically begged Christie to run for president himself. In October, he said he wouldn't, arguing that he hadn't finished his work in New Jersey.

"The people sent me to Trenton to get a job done and I'm just not prepared to walk away,"
he said.

Some may argue the prime time speech could be solid training for a future run.

"I think if he does it really well, it solidifies his position within the national Republican party," Doblin said. "As much as we here on the east coast see him and know him, I don't think he's all that well known when you look at all the voters across America."

If the past is prologue, Christie will be talking up Mitt Romney come August, to be the next Republican president.

Meanwhile, the Romney camp referred questions about Christie's slot to the Republican National Committee. A representative there didn't return an email for comment.