Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will host a policy retreat in Park City, Utah this June “to hear from political, business and other thought leaders,” according to the invitation.
Since the election defeat, Mitt Romney had given one serious interview with Chris Wallace, in which they discussed Romney’s political future if any. The retreat further signals that he is in fact serious about staying active on policy fronts at least.
Romney sent emails Friday inviting people to the four-day event, called “Experts and Enthusiasts.” Among those who received the invitations were Republican donors. The invitation reads:
As we only have capacity for a small group of people to be part of this gathering, invitations will be kept to a limited group of industry and thought leaders.
In the email to invitees, Romney said Solamere Group, the private equity firm founded by his son Tagg and where Romney now serves as a chairman, will help sponsor the gathering.
He ended the invitation saying:
We look forward to seeing you in Park City.
The invitation was signed simply – Mitt.
Expected to attend is Romney’s former running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan R-WI, according to a CNN source with knowledge of the event. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is also expected to participate as well.
The location is the same place Romney hosted a major retreat for approximately 700 donors last summer in Park City, featuring speeches by many of his top campaign staff and prospective vice presidential picks.
At a major gathering last week for conservatives–where Romney made his first public speech following his election loss in November–the former Massachusetts governor expressed intent on staying engaged in public policy. He said:
I am sorry that I will not be your president. But I will be your co-worker, and I will work shoulder-to-shoulder alongside you.
There is a $5,000 registration fee for attendees. The CNN source said that is not a contribution in any way, but rather it will help cover the costs of food, facilities and travel for speakers and there will not be any money left over. That is understandable, but the establishment better open the doors to others soon.
The future of the Republican party is the Ron Paul wing, whom of which will be in attendance. and the polling underscores how important it is that these wings are merged – not demolished.
Erkine Bowles and Alan Simpson, whose recommendations were ignored by the President who commissioned them, will also be in attendance. In total, the event will be majority Republican, but Axelrod and Hickenlooper will also give speeches, adding to the air of bipartisanship.
Keeping people out of the loop is a good way to ostracize, isolate, and flat-out tick people off. Perhaps, the GOP is off to a good start.
