GOP candidates to woo conservatives at big event

[February 10, 2012]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Three of the four GOP presidential candidates are addressing a major conservative gathering in Washington, giving them a high-profile stage to reshape their messages at a moment of uncertainty in the contest.

Former Sen. Rick Santorum rocked the Republican world this week by winning caucuses in Colorado and Minnesota, plus a nonbinding primary in Missouri.

His victories have raised new questions about Mitt Romney's ability to inspire conservatives, and about Newt Gingrich's claim to be the top alternative to Romney.

Santorum, Romney and Gingrich will separately address the annual Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday. Rep. Ron Paul, whose libertarian leanings put him at odds with some mainstream conservatives, does not plan to attend.

The CPAC stage will give Santorum a chance to sharpen his two-pronged message. He says Romney is too moderate to carry the GOP banner against President Barack Obama this fall. And he says Gingrich is too weighted down by past controversies and policy shifts.

Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, is likely to try to reassure conservatives that he represents their views and is best-positioned to beat Obama.

Conventioneers will watch Gingrich, the former House speaker, to see whether he brings his fierce, fighting side to the stage or his gentler persona of big ideas and national optimism.

Gingrich and Romney kept out of the public eye Thursday, huddling with consultants and raising money.

Santorum, campaigning in Oklahoma, defended his use of earmarks in congressional legislation to steer federal projects to his state of Pennsylvania. He said earmarks, which many conservatives dislike, are sometimes necessary for military or health programs.

Romney, seeing Santorum as a growing threat, has criticized his use of earmarks.

The CPAC appearances come one day before Maine's caucus results will be announced. Many Republicans expect Paul to do well there.

[Associated Press; By CHARLES BABINGTON]

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