Hundreds of Virginia Republican elected officials, party leaders, and activists have gathered in Tysons Corner just outside Washington, DC, for the 27th annual Donald W. Huffman Advance to celebrate hard-earned victories and to lay the groundwork for future elections.
A welcome reception kicked off everything Friday night, sponsored by the Top 3 Republican leaders in the Commonwealth -- Gov. Bob McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, and Atty. Gen. Ken Cuccinelli.
Hospitality suites opened at 9:00 and ran until midnight ... and the place was hopping. With eleven suites to choose from, there was plenty to keep everyone busy and circulating throughout the Tysons Hilton as they were welcomed by Rep. Eric Cantor, state Sen. Mark Obenshain, Chairman Corey Stewart, Dave Foster, Bob Marshall & Dick Black, Hunt for Senate, and organizations like Americans for Prosperity, House Republican Caucus, Virginia Faith and Freedom Coalition, and the 10th District Republican Committee.
One of the most packed hospitality suites was that hosted by former Governor and U.S. Sen. George Allen who held it in the hotel's restaurant (which was closed for the private event). With food, desserts, and drink, it was a watering hole for friend and foe alike. Gov. Allen, along with his lovely wife Susan, stood and talked for hours with hundreds of visitors.
Bloggers are crawling throughout the Advance. Jim Hoeft, Shaun Kenney, Jason Kenney, Greg Letiecq, Krystle Weeks, Ford O'Connell, and others are in the house, and I ran into noted Democrat blogger Ben Tribbett in the elevator.
Breakfast this morning provided a special treat with guest speakers Congressman Eric Cantor, the new Majority Leader of the U.S. House; Congressman Frank Wolf; and Congressman-elect Scott Rigell. All were inspiring, all thanked everyone who helped push them over the finish line, and all stressed we have work to do to get our country back on the right track.
Workshops have broken out now and people are networking until lunch. The afternoon is filled with workshops and the state central committee meeting before tonight's gala dinner. The boggers are meeting for dinner and it should be a large, lively bunch.
Lots of positive energy going on at the 2010 Republican Advance....
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