SRLC: Cancellations, lack of access mar GOP event

A three-day event billed as a veritable "who's who" of potential Republican presidential candidates, the Southern Republican Leadership Conference turned frustrating for journalists and many attendees who didn't get to hear from some of the candidates at all, while nearly all of those who did attend refused to meet at all with reporters or answer any questions.

Former U. S. Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana were the only presidential hopefuls to give reporters a few minutes to ask questions.

Santorum walked down the long hall from the main hall where the speakers were taking the stage and into the media area Thursday.

Gov. Jindal spoke with reporters Friday shortly before posing for pictures with supporters.

Others canceled their appearances entirely, because of last-minute debate in the U.S Senate on renewing the Patriot Act.

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina disappointed their supporters by not showing up, though most said they understood the reasons for the cancellations.

Rubio did record a videotaped statement which was played in the main hall in lieu of a personal appearance.

Organizers from JonesPR told KRMG the availability of candidates was up to individual campaigns, and they had no control over whether they would meet with media.