NC conservatives gather for political conference

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — National political pundits and Republican elected officials are gathering to equip and energize hundreds of North Carolina conservative activists as they've gained power recently in state politics.

The two-day annual Conservative Leadership Conference organized by the Civitas Institute begins Friday morning at a Raleigh hotel with speeches by state Senate leader Phil Berger, Lt. Gov. Dan Forest and radio talk-show host Jason Lewis. Heritage Foundation President Ed Feulner, former South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint and state House Speaker Thom Tillis will headline Friday's lunch.

Other speakers through Saturday include columnist Michelle Malkin, state Supreme Court Justice Paul Newby, Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson and U.S. House members from North Caroilna Renee Ellmers and George Holding.

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Online:

Conservative Leadership Conference: http://clc2013.com/