The conference commenced Friday evening with an exciting lineup of speakers. California Assemblyman Chuck DeVore spoke on immigration, natural rights and our Constitution. Former Congressman Jim Rogan told the story of his path from poverty to the United States Capitol. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed a crowded and excited room with a candid, entertaining, and inspiring speech about the immense value of public service and his journey from Austrian schoolboy to Governor of America's most populous and economically powerful state. He repeatedly stressed giving back to the community, state, and nation that had given him so much freedom and so many opportunities. It was the first appearance by a California governor at a CCR convention as far back as anybody knew; a rare opportunity to hear an elected official and outright celebrity of such stature speak on a more personal, human level.

The excitement surrounding the convention then moved to nearby Downtown Disney, where good food, drinks, music and spirits filled Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. The UC Irvine College Republicans also hosted this gathering, where CRs from the far corners of the state were able to network with one another - building inter-chapter relationships, strengthening our organization, and celebrating our mission of campus activism.

Saturday morning featured speakers such as Orange County Republican Party Chairman Scott Baugh and Steve Poizner, Candidate for Insurance Commissioner, before moving into the Breakout Sessions, where a wide variety of smaller, more intimate seminars were offered. Former CCR Chairman Michael Davidson spoke on fundraising, successful campaign manager Jimmy Camp detailed the basics of campaigning, and California Republican Jewish Coalition Chairma Larry Greenfield spoke about US Foreign Relations. Associate Producer for "The Sean Hannity Show," Elisha Blankenship, FlashReport.org founder and former Executive Director of the California Republican Party Jon Fleischman, and Jen Vitala spoke on a panel about the mainstream media. Mason Weaver held a showing of his video and spoke about race and politics.

That afternoon, the College Republicans took to the streets of Garden Grove to hold a rally for Governor Schwarzenegger. Some CRs were literally in the trees and on top of bus stops, enthusiastically supporting the governor and his reelection campaign. After lunch, more quality speakers delivered remarks regarding national defense and securing freedom, public service and a life in politics, club building, media relations, and much more.

In another first for a CCR convention, the hundreds of CR's in attendance gathered on Saturday evening for a formal awards banquet, featuring entertaining and inspiring speakers such as the California Republican Party Immediate Past Chairman Shawn Steel, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, and nationally syndicated radio talk show host Larry Elder. On Sunday morning, California Republican Party Vice Chairman Ron Nehring addressed the CCR general session before the culmination of the convention - the CCR state elections.

Running unopposed, the Team Momentum candidate slate was unanimously confirmed by the delegation, ushering in a new administration that promises to continue the success that has been characteristic of CCR in recent years.

There is no doubt that the weekend was successful - drawing CRs from across the state and country to inspire, entertain, connect, and motivate. The convention left members energized and optimistic about the future success of our organization, and in this busy election year, the California College Republicans have much to look forward to.