Around 3,500 conservative activists from all over the South are in New Orleans this weekend for the Southern Republican Leadership Conference (SRLC), which many political insiders consider the unofficial kickoff to the 2012 presidential cycle.
The SRLC which takes place every four years is a politico’s paradise; big name speakers, strategy sessions, backroom networking and luxury fundraisers, all set in a city world famous for its food, drink and Cajun entertainment.
But even as Bourbon Street beckons, the main attraction for attendees and an armada of reporters, will be the GOP’s potential 2012 contenders.
SRLC official Kirstin Hopkins calls it, “An excellent opportunity to speak to a large group of influential conservative Republicans.”
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin finds herself in the familiar position of divisive headliner. The GOP megastar, former 2008 Vice Presidential candidate and Fox News Channel contributor will receive no speaking fee for her appearance, which is a rare occurrence.
There is also a closely watched SRLC Straw poll, and Palin is among the favorites.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has been mulling a presidential bid ever since 1994 when he crafted “The Contract With America” and led Republicans to their first House majority in nearly 50 years.
Gingrich is still one of the GOP’s most prolific purveyors of ideas, but many think he’s not really serious about making a presidential run.
Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour built a dominant Republican National Committee as chairman during the Gingrich revolution. He’s now the chairman of the National Governors Association and is thought to be a proven master of conservative politics and policy.
Everything’s bigger in Texas and Governor Rick Perry is running for an unprecedented third term in office. However, his incessant attacks on Washington and the Obama Administration have had Lonestar state newspapers and insiders speculating since last year that his eye is really on 1600 Pennsylvania.
Then there’s Indiana Congressman Mike Pence, the number three Republican in the House of Representatives. While fighting Democrats in congress Pence has also been making the rounds in the crucial early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire. He’s also begun signing up volunteers and potential staffers.
Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum has been quietly laying the groundwork for potential run for several months. This appearance amounts to confirmation that he wants to be seen as a contender.
Texas congressman and 2008 phenomenon Ron Paul is a staple at such gatherings and is sure to garner huge ovations. Paul is also a serious threat to take the straw poll, just ask the stunned crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference last February.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal takes on the role of hometown host. Jindal was on the McCain’s VP shortlist in 2008 but struggled through a less than stellar response to President Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress in February of last year.
However, the two big names who have done the most to place themselves in the 2012 GOP conversation will be noticeably absent.
Former Massachusetts Governor and 2008 presidential candidate Mitt Romney is on a tour promoting his recent book, “No Apology: The Case for American Greatness.”
Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty canceled his appearance in order to take part in a welcome home ceremony for troops returning to Minnesota from Iraq. Pawlenty aides tell us the governor will instead address the event in a taped video message.
Some might argue that the man with the most at stake when he takes the stage this weekend is embattled RNC Chairman Michael Steele.
Though GOP candidates will likely enjoy what many call a “target rich environment” this midterm election season, the conference also comes at a delicate time for the RNC, which has been dogged by revelations party coffers paid for an outing at a sex-themed Hollywood nightclub.
That bombshell triggered the resignations of several top advisers at the RNC and has chairman Michael Steele on the hot seat over questions about his financial stewardship of the committee.
Steele will address the conference on Saturday, and over the next few days his schedule is packed with meetings.
Steele aides tell Fox News many of those meetings will be a chance for the chairman to meet face to face with the very party insiders who have been calling for his ouster.