I was fortunate enough to be able to attend and report on the Southern Republican Leadership Conference here in Memphis, TN.

Delegates from over 26 states, which encompassed the Midwest and the South, converged on the Peabody Hotel in Memphis for Republican rallying, for a chance to hear elected officials speak on Republican values, and how important it is to continue to support President Bush. Some officials who attended are vying to become the lead 2008 Presidential candidate to represent the Republican party. Public officials, from Senators, to Governors, to the Speaker of the House, these public servants had a chance to mingle with the public and state their case.

The atmosphere at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN was the perfect place to stump. The excitement and anticipation was evident as delegates waited to see the famous Peabody Ducks take their walk to the fountain, accompanied by none other than Chris Matthews of MSNBC's Hardball. Matthews was one of over 200 media reporting on the event. The Conference drew media from as far away as Great Britain.

The entertainment was not limited to the Peabody Ducks. Before his speech, Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN) moved the crowd with a rousing piano jig, performing alongside country singer Steve Warner. Afterwards, as Mr. Alexander began his speech, he threw in a few amusing anecdotes, and said he will not be running for President. It's a "very humbling experience" he said. He mentions and touts President Bush's successes as President.

Other speakers stood up for the President as well. Senator John McCain (AZ) gave the President props for his steps in getting rid of Saddam Hussein of Iraq, and mentioned that toppling Saddam's regime was the right thing to do. McCain mentions the fact that economic sanctions were breaking down, and the Oil-for-Food scandal tainted the Saddam regime.

He says we "must stay the course" and back President Bush's efforts in Iraq. Remembering our troops, McCain says, "Our troops are the best and finest in the world. They have shed their blood in a noble cause, for someone else's freedom".

Sen. McCain also mentions Iran, the fact that they are hostile to Israel, and could "destabilize the Mid East." He praises Pres. Bush for going to the UN Sec. Council for sanctions, but believes it will take more. "We can't take the military issue off the table", "...explore every option, but we can't take military action off the table. Stay steadfast behind Pres. Bush on this."

Other topics of interest Sen. McCain was passionate about was of course, pork. He says that he is against pork spending and that Congress "can't do that with American tax dollars". He touted "...fiscal discipline and smaller government. We can't spend frivolously." He wants to fix Social Security, but "we (Congress) have to go to the American people with clean hands... get rid of wasteful spending."

The War on Terror wasn't far from speakers' minds as Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman and Governor Mitt Romney (MA) stated how important it is for the U.S. to remain focused and to continue the fight. Ken Mehlman called to attention the horror that was experienced at the 1972 Munich Games, and since then the terror attacks have "grown bolder as the enemy saw our attacks as weak"... "On September 12, 2001, terrorists finally got war in return," Mehlman reiterated. We live in the "most critical time in history", says Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney. We face an "extraordinary attack from Jihadists" who want to "reassemble all the lands, overcome our government, and unify our land under Islam." Our military, he says are the "most patriotic and bravest fighting men and women in the world."

On economic matters, Chairman Ken Mehlman touts a growing economy under the GOP, with low unemployment. He says that the goal of the Republican Party is to "reduce taxation, regulation, and litigation."

Gov. Mitt Romney hated the fact that the "debt has grown, pork is spent in a time of war." He finds it discouraging.

On education, Republicans are passionate about raising standards. Former Congressman from Oklahoma, J.C. Watts stressed that "we can't keep kids in schools that fail them." There was emphasis on parents having more control on where their kids go to school, and their children's education. Governor Mitt Romney stated we need to "put parents, kids, and teachers first, unions behind."

The most memorable and fiery speech, in my opinion, came from J.C. Watts (OK). Mr. Watts was deeply concerned about our eroding culture, and spoke out about changing the tide for a better future for our children.

"We are living in interesting times" said Watts. "We have forgotten about the next generation." The former Congressman said that there have been people in the past that have challenged us to look at ourselves as a nation. He cited people like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., who, through the Civil Rights Era, changed a nation. J.C. Watts says "we should dream big, we are Americans."

Other notable Americans J.C. Watts mentioned were the World War II generation. This generation he says was "engaged... they gave a value system that we've squandered. What kind of future do we want our kids to have? Do we want a nation in 20-30 years where we've removed God from the public square?"

Mr. Watts spoke on character, how it bothers him that it seems in today's society, that character doesn't matter. "Do we want that?"... "The fledgling democracies are looking to us for leadership." I'm assuming he was talking about countries like Iraq. And Mr. Watts is right, we have a responsibility to carry the torch to show the world what is right.

He also talked on the subject of diversity. "Diversity of color is a good thing. Don't be afraid of it. If there is anyone who had a say in how they were born, speak to me afterwards."

"God is the artist of a person's skin color. God likes diversity of color," said Mr. Watts.

Throughout his speech, J.C. Watt's words were met with much applause and a standing ovation.

And last, but certainly not least, Tennessee's own, Sen. Bill Frist spoke. We all know his passion lies with healthcare. But he did deviate from the subject a bit to speak about negative politics in Washington, mainly regarding the filibustering of judicial nominees. He was the one responsible for implementing the nuclear option to stop Democrat obstruction. "Because we acted...a new Chief Justice, Chief Justice John Roberts serves at the helm of the highest court in the land...Sam Alito sits at his side."

Sen. Frist spoke of responsible federal spending, and he pointed out that the Republican party is the party of limited government. "We believe in limited government. When you have the freedom to save, spend, and invest as you choose, the economy has more freedom to grow." Frist said. "We've created 5 million new jobs"..."70% of Americans own their homes. Minority home ownership is at an all time high."

He stressed that Pres. Bush's tax cuts have "led to 3 years of record growth", and should be made permanent. And speaking on taxes, Sen. Frist wants to totally eliminate the death tax, which he will bring up in the Senate in May.

On healthcare, Sen. Frist says "healthcare costs are driving hardworking families into debt."... "Republicans must lead, and the place to begin is Medicare. In 15 years, Medicare will be bankrupt, 20 years earlier than Social Security." It can be fixed, Frist says. Government should "give patients more control, focus on prevention, and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse--to get more for our money."

Sounds good to me!

The Straw Poll was one of the important events delegates looked forward to. It was a poll which took the pulse of the attendees at the Conference on their preferred Republican candidate for 2008 Presidential Election. Over 1500 ballots were cast. Coming out on top was no surprise, Tennessee Senator Bill Frist with 37% of the vote. In 2nd was Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney with 14%. Tied for 3rd place with 10% of the vote was Virginia Senator George Allen and ...President George W. Bush. That's right, President Bush. Senator John McCain stated that "President Bush is the only one who needs our support today." He wanted people to write-in President Bush's name in support. McCain did manage to come in 4th place with 5% of the vote.

And as for top pick, Senator Frist's decision to run for President, he has said that he will make a decision in 8 or 9 months when he returns to Tennessee.

All in all, the Southern Republican Leadership Conference served to remind delegates of the priorities of picking solid candidates from the Republican party to represent them in Washington. Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman said that the 2006 elections are urgent. He urged Republicans to look for leaders that will "uphold the Republican philosophy." After hearing what these speakers had to say, there is no reason why Republicans should stay at home on election day, and not vote for responsible leadership. The field of Republicans certainly have potential. And many candidates have great ideas and want to continue the tradition of helping Americans help themselves.

After attending the Conference, I am still undecided who would be a best pick as a Presidential candidate in 2008. It's too early in my opinion, to be looking that far ahead. I agree with Sen. McCain, we should support our President at this time. I may not agree with him all the time on certain issues, but he is still our President.

The 2006 elections should draw our immediate attention. Now is not the time to go wobbly on the Republican party. We must stick to our conservative roots, and if there are flaws in the Republican party or with our Republican leaders, we should let them know. They want you, the people, to have more control. And that's the way it should be. So make your voice heard, and make sure to get involved this year.

It is vital to our future that we continue to be avid participants in our government.

*Felicia (Fee) Benamon is a political columnist who writes for various conservative sites including RenewAmerica.us, Daley-Times Post, RealityCheck.org, Capitolhillcoffeehouse.com, TheConservativeVoice.com, Mensnewsdaily.com, and many more. Felicia is currently branching out, and hopes to do more freelance writing, and eventually carry a column in her local newspaper. She hails from a military background, and has been politically active since the 2000 elections. Felicia is also an occasional guest speaker on KYAL2K, conservative talk radio (www.k-talk.com), Salt Lake City, UT.

You may email Felicia: Feereports@aol.com .