UConn conservatives go to D.C.

UConn's College Republicans took their annual trip to Washington D.C. Feb. 9-11 to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference, better known as CPAC.

Thirteen members of UConn's College Republicans attended the event, known for being "America's oldest and largest annual gathering of conservatives."

"CPAC is always an excellent opportunity for American conservatives and libertarians to network and gather to listen and meet some of the most influential minds in the conservative movement," said Joseph Gasser, president of UConn College Republicans.

CPAC has been held every February in Washington D.C. since 1974, when Ronald Reagan was the first speaker.

The theme of this year's conference was "We Still Hold These Truths," and speakers focused on ways our nation can return to the principles of limited government, personal liberty and valuing human life that our nation was founded upon, according to Gasser, a 6th-semester political science major.

Attendees of the conference were able to hear from and interact with several keynote speakers, including Republican presidential candidates, former Gov. Mitt Romney, former Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Herman Cain, Sen. Rand Paul, the National Rifle Association Executive VP Wayne LaPierre and author Ann Coulter also spoke. The closing keynote speaker was the former governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin.

The College Republicans events chair Tim Konola's favorite speaker was Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, whose parents immigrated from Cuba.

"His speech focused on the importance of protecting and maintaining the American dream," said Konola, a 2nd-semester undeclared major. "The uniquely American concept means that anyone who is born or comes to the United States can rise from nothing and achieve great success."

Konola said he and the rest of the audience were captivated by the speech and the sense of unity that filled the room, which has been absent from Washington D.C.

"At that moment, none of us were black or white, rich or poor. We were all Americans, and proud Americans at that," he said.

The College Republicans also had the opportunity to meet Newt Gingrich, Rand Paul and Ann Coulter at their book signings.

While events at the conference kept them busy, the College Republicans also used their time in Washington D.C. to meet with students from other College Republican chapters across the country. They also spent part of Friday afternoon interacting with people from the Occupy movement, who were displaying anger about the CPAC event, according to Gasser.

"My experience at CPAC has confirmed many of my political beliefs and challenged others," Konola said. "It has inspired me to learn more about American politics and stay well-informed."

"I recommend CPAC to any person who believes in the freedom of the individual that has made this country the best country in the world," he said.