By Katherine Gregg
Journal State House Bureau

The Republican National Committee and its friends within the state GOP have announced that the Marriott Hotel in Newport will be the site of the party's Northeast Regional Leadership Conference, Oct. 2-4.

Under "social events & local activities,'' the invitation reads: "Newport is a historic city with numerous local activities and attractions to fill out your weekend, including: Mansion Tour, Sightseeing Cruises, Museums, Fine Dining, and Sailing. We are also hoping to have sponsorship for cocktail parties on both Friday and Saturday.''

But that's not all they say it's about.

Every election cycle, each of the four Republican National Committee regions holds an RNC Regional Conference. This year, Rhode Island is the host.

"Leaders from the mid-Atlantic through New England will join with Republican grass-roots activists to discuss current political events, review campaign strategies for 2010, and receive campaign training,'' state Republican Chairman Giovanni Cicione explains.

In addition to the region's past and present Republican governors, the event planners promise "grass-roots training and presentations by several well known national polling firms, national media strategists, and GOTV [get-out-the-vote] experts.''

The cost? "We have kept the conference registration cost very low at $125 to make it affordable for all GOP Party activists. This will include meeting rooms, opening cocktail party, 2 breakfasts and one lunch and materials. Other activities will be a la carte.''