By Larry Kane

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Big news for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The Republican will be giving the keynote address at his party’s national convention.

From the perspective of his political future, this is a plum assignment for the New Jersey governor. He’s been mentioned for last six or seven months as a possible vice presidential nominee — even mentioned as a Republican nominee for president earlier in the year.

(KYW’s Larry Kane)

PHOTOS: Campaign 2012

This is quite a reward from the Romney campaign. Christie will speak to the national convention in prime time.

But, more than anything it’s a twofold opportunity. It provides some zest for the campaign and will let Americans know a lot more about him, because he’s made no mistake about letting people know he wants a future in national politics.

Ironically, his mentor in office is Thomas Kean, who gave the last keynote address by a Republican governor from New Jersey in 1988 for George H.W. Bush.