GOP Hopefuls at CPAC
Each year, the American Conservative Union (ACU), a lobbying organization, hosts its Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). The three-day event draws around 6,000 attendees, with a growing number of young people present. There are speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and opportunities to network. Those with any political affiliation are allowed to register, but many of the attendees are Republican.
Some of the big issues covered in the 2015 CPAC were: terrorism, Common Core education standards, immigration reform, and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). New this year, all of the speakers engaged in a six-minute Q&A at the end of their talk. While the conference is an annual event, in the years leading up to the next election, many presidential hopefuls use the opportunity to connect with members of their base as they seek the Republican nomination.
The main politicians that attended CPAC this year were:
Jeb Bush
The brother of former president George W. Bush and son of former president George H.W. Bush, Jeb has both the advantages and the disadvantages of his famous family name. His ability to fundraise may or may not overcome the negative image of some of his brother’s policies.
Ben Carson
This retired African American neurosurgeon has a strong following of loyal supporters. Generally soft-spoken, he nonetheless generated a noticeable buzz among CPAC attendees after he gave the first speech of the conference.
Chris Christie
Once considered the GOP’s “golden boy,” the New Jersey governor has gained increasing criticism for questionable practices as governor regarding federal Hurricane Sandy relief funds and a major bridge closure.
Ted Cruz
With his high profile pursuing the Republican nomination in 2012, Cruz gave the keynote address at this year’s CPAC. The current U.S. senator from Texas is considered a “firebrand legislator,” but received a lot of criticism for his role in the 2013 government shutdown.
Carly Fiorina
She worked on John McCain’s presidential campaign in 2008 and ran for the Senate in 2010. Being one of the few female contenders for the Republican nomination is an advantage for Fiorina. Having been fired as CEO of Hewlett-Packard is a disadvantage.
Bobby Jindal
Jindal is the son of immigrant parents from India. He is currently Louisiana’s governor and has been vocal about his frustration with Republican members of Congress. Despite incorrect speculation about running in 2012, Jindal is now a contender for 2016.
Rand Paul
Son of two-time U.S. Representative and presidential hopeful Ron Paul, Kentucky senator Rand is considered one of the frontrunners for the Republican nomination. In addition to a youthful following, Paul understands the need for the Republican party to broaden its appeal.
Marco Rubio
This Cuban-American senator from Florida is one of only three Latinos in the Senate. The fact that he is a Republican is a definite advantage to a party that historically does not attract that demographic.
Scott Walker
The current Wisconsin governor is considered by some to be GOP’s new “golden-boy.” He did, however, stirred up recent media criticism by comparing some unions in his home state to the terrorist group ISIS.
Each year, the attendees participate in a “straw poll,” an unofficial vote by questionnaire that measures those most likely to receive the Republican nomination. Rand Paul won this year’s straw poll for the third year in a row.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.