The announced attendance was over 2,100 people. People I talked to said the turn out was good.

I was really surprised how much support Rick Snyder had at the conference. Even the guys (from Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids) I had dinner with Saturday night were big supporters.

Speaking of Rick Snyder, he won the straw poll. Another surprise.

L. Brooks Patterson cracks himself up.

I enjoyed watching the debate. However, it seems I was the only one who thought Pete Hoekstra won.

Mike Bouchard cracks himself up as well, I think it's all the time he has spent with Patterson. Actually, I spoke briefly with Bouchard and he seems like a good guy.

I talked with Pete Hoekstra about the debate Saturday afternoon. He seems like a knowledgeable and sincere guy and I enjoyed talking to him.

Mike Cox had the most visible army of supporters. Also, he gave a terrific speech during Saturday's lunch.

Conservative ideas were a big part of the conference (except for the one panel I attended). Lower taxes (personal- business- property), market ideas for health care reform, reducing unnecessary regulations, making Michigan a `right to work' and improving business climate. More importantly, they addressed the need to execute once elected as well.

Most of the Michigan Republican insiders are still really big fans of Mitt Romney. He gave a good, Presidential campaign (in my opinion) style speech at dinner Saturday night. He covered state, national and international issues and took a few shots at Obama. I have to admit watching a speech like that, up close and in person, is quite a treat.

I had a great time at the Conference. Being able to talk with the Gubernatorial candidates and fellow conservatives and Republicans, listen to business leaders discuss economic issues facing our state and being able to hang out in the press room was a tremendous experience.