CPAC: GOP's Relationship With Conservatives
CPAC's Friday session has been highlighted so far with speeches by Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Indiana Rep. Mike Pence, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor and Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. There was even a taped video message from Rush Limbaugh, who received a roaring ovation as he introduced the "Blogger of the Year" -- Ed Morrissey of HotAir.com.
The most lively part of the day so far, though, was an intriguing panel discussion on the struggle between security and freedom. Those involved included former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore, libertarian Bob Barr, California Rep. Dan Lungren and Viet Dinh, an assistant attorney general in the previous administration. Former Attorney General John Ashcroft appeared briefly and was promptly heckled by a few for his support for the Patriot Act.
While Bachmann called Republicans the "majority-in-waiting," Chocola -- who's group takes aim at Republicans in primaries, as well as Democrats -- said he hasn't yet seen evidence the party is ready to lead again.
"Can Republicans be trusted with a renewed majority?" asked Chocola, a former Indiana congressman. "I have to admit standing here today, I simply don't know. ... I'm not convinced that they have learned the lessons of the 2006 and 2008 elections."
Chocola noted the national party's backing of Dede Scozzafava in New York's 23rd District, Utah Sen. Bob Bennett, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and now-Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter -- all instead of more conservative candidates.
Chocola's speech put a spotlight on the delicate relationship between conservatives and the Republican Party -- a common thread throughout the three-day conference and the 2010 midterm elections, where contentious GOP primaries have popped up around the country.
Pawlenty took the opportunity to introduce himself to conservatives, as he starts down what will be a long road toward November 2012. His likely opponent, Mitt Romney, spoke yesterday, and offered a defense of George W. Bush and scathing criticism of President Obama. Pawlenty didn't mention Bush, but outlined his record as governor and the conservative principles he'll follow. As The Hotline's Reid Wilson notes, the crowd's ovations for Pawlenty were noticeably more subdued than those given Thursday for Romney and Florida Senate candidate Marco Rubio.
