Two of the four people most pegged for Presidential candidacy have declined their invitations to attend the 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, which begins tomorrow.
It is the first time since COVID struck that America’s largest gathering of conservatives will meet in Washington.
On Saturday (March 4), the Florida governor is scheduled to headline two Republican fundraisers in Texas. The next day, he will address a reception for the GOP of Orange County, California.
Former Trump VP Mike Pence, who hasn’t attended the event in two years, again turned down the invitation. A spokesperson for Pence declined to provide content or comment.
“It’s a missed opportunity for any potential presidential candidate to not address the thousands of grassroots activists at CPAC this year. Luckily, CPAC attendees will get to hear from every announced presidential candidate and over 100 premiere speakers, including over 30 elected officials,” Megan Powers, a spokesperson for CPAC, told ABC News.
Both Donald Trump and Nikki Haley have announced their plans to run for the GOP nomination. Both are scheduled to speak at the conference, with Trump giving the keynote address on Saturday.
“We haven’t put the criteria out, but I expect a pledge will be part of it. It was part of 2016, I think it’s kind of a no-brainer,” McDaniel said. “If you’re going to be on the Republican National Committee debate stage asking voters to support you, you should say I’m going to support the voters and who they choose as the nominee.”
Later that night, the staffer made a series of tearful videos describing the event. Schlapp’s attorney stated “the attack is false and Mr. Schlapp denies any improper behavior. We are evaluating legal options for response.” The staffer has filed a lawsuit against Schlapp and his wife, seeking $9.4 million for sexual battery and defamation.