VOLuntarilyConservative

My apologies for not having the second session wrap-up last night. The session ended around 9:18 P.M., and after some mingling and getting back to the Marriott Downtown, we were both exhausted. Plus, with Blogger Row closed down, it was not going to be the easiest thing in the world to post anything on-line last night. I wish I could say that we are dragging this morning because of all of the Beale Street festivities that took place last night, but that would be a lie. We are both becoming old fogies.

Last night's session was hosted by Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn. She really let loose, sounding very much like Dolly Parton with her accent. I remarked to the VOLConWife that the people of East Tennessee who like Dolly will love Marsha when she runs for Governor in 2010. Another thing they will love is this line: "If 10% is good enough for God, then it's damn well good enough for the government!" That was the centerpiece of a classic small government speech, with an emphasis on sealing our borders and securing our country.

Blackburn then introduced Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. Not to be unkind, but I'm not going to go too much into Governor Barbour's speech, mostly because I don't think it was his best effort. Barbour highlighted election strategy, including the radical new idea that big voter turnouts help Republicans and issue-based campaigns mean that Republicans win. Barbour also gave respect to faith-based groups for their assistance with rebuilding the Gulf Coast, calling them the "backbone of the recovery effort."

I will post more on the speeches of J.C. Watts and John McCain after this morning's round of speakers.