Turnout grows significantly at annual Republican conference where activists and politicians discuss issues, criticize the president.

By Brianna Bailey

Updated: Saturday, October 17, 2009 11:55 PM PDT

Featuring appearances by Republican heavyweights such as Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and 2010 gubernatorial candidate and former EBay Chief Executive Meg Whitman, the Western Conservative Political Action Conference rolled through Newport Beach this weekend.

Organized by Republican activist Jim Lacy, the conference has slowly gained momentum over its five-year existence.

“This is the heart and soul of the conservative movement,” said Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a longtime conference supporter. “This is where the philosophy and ideas for action come from.”

Pawlenty, who is rumored to be considering a presidential run in 2012, spoke at the conference on Friday night to a sold-out dinner crowd of about 200 people, organizers said.

Attendance was way up from last year’s event, which attracted only about 85 people.

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