Hotel Reservations
Travel Information
Registration Package Pricing & Information
Speaking Program & Conference Agenda
Excursion to the Newport Mansions

Please note: Due to very high demand, our host hotel -- the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings in Warwick -- is now SOLD OUT for the weekend of July 21-23, 2006. We have made arrangements for overflow to be accommodated at a nearby Holiday Inn Express Hotel. However, please be advised that the back up hotel is nearing full capacity, so please make your reservations quickly. The Crowne Plaza Reservation Desk can be reached at (401) 732-6000, if you want to check for availability. The Holiday Inn Express Reservation Desk can be reached directly at (401) 736-5000. Please remember to mention the "Rhode Island Republican Assembly" when making your hotel reservations. Thank you.

The Rhode Island Republican Assembly is excited to have been chosen to host the summer Board of Directors meeting of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies, which will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, Rhode Island, from July 21 to 23, 2006. We look forward to providing many opportunities for interested grassroots Republicans to interact with members of our national board and to learn more about how the state and local Republican Assemblies ® work within the framework of the Republican Party. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear from an impressive selection of speakers -- including United States Senator Dr. Tom Coburn (R-OK), United States Senate Candidate Stephen Laffey (R-RI), Rhode Island Right-to-Life Committee Executive Director Rita Parquette, and Susette Kelo (lead plaintiff in the landmark Kelo vs. City of New London Supreme Court eminent domain decision), and many other great speakers -- and of course, from plenty of federal, state, and local Republican candidates looking for your support during this important election season.

"On-Time" Registration Package pricing for the NFRA Board Meeting and Northeast Conservative Conference is only $150.00 (if postmarked no later than July 15, 2006 or if made online by July 18, 2006). This "all inclusive" registration package price includes admission to all meetings, conference speakers, and to all meals during the event. In addition to the Board Meeting and Conference, we are also offering a special opportunity to tour the world famous Gilded Age mansions ("pre-income tax summer cottages"), as well as to enjoy a waterside lunch in the Colonial-era downtown of our "City by the Sea," Newport, RI. Our Sunday Excursion to Newport will also include an interior and exterior tour of the most extravagant mansion of them all -- the Vanderbilt family's palatial 70-room The Breakers.  We encourage anyone who wishes to to extend their stay with us a little longer, to take advantage of our group rate. We invite you to explore and learn more about the "Greatest Little State in the Union" -- Rhode Island!        The Breakers (aka Cornelius Vanderbilt's "summer cottage")

The Rhode Island Republican Assembly has selected The Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings in Warwick, RI, to be the host hotel for the 2006 Summer Board of Directors Meeting of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies. The Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings is centrally located in a suburban setting on 88 acres of land and is only 8 minutes outside of Rhode Island's vibrant capital city of Providence. The Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings offers 266 oversized guest rooms and is well known for its deluxe accommodations and exceptional level of service.

The Rhode Island Republican Assembly has secured a block of guest rooms at a discounted rate of $149.00 per night. All reservations should be made through the Crowne Plaza Hotel Reservations Department at (401) 732-6000 (recommended) or through the Crowne Plaza Toll-Free Reservation Line at (800) 227-6963. To receive the discounted rate of $149.00 per night, guests must identify their affiliation with the Rhode Island Republican Assembly when making reservations. This special discounted rate is good for up to 3 nights before and/or after the NFRA Board Meeting and Northeast Conservative Conference, if you wish to extend your stay in Rhode Island. This discounted rate of $149.00 per night is good for Single, Double, Triple & Quadruple guest room occupancy. Guest room rates cannot be adjusted at check-in or check-out for guests who fail to identify their affiliation when making reservations. Special room requests (i.e. non-smoking, king bed, etc.) should be made at the time of reservation. Guest room rates are subject to prevailing taxes, which are currently 13%.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings is located less than 2 miles away from T.F. Green Airport (Airport Code: PVD). A Complimentary Airport Shuttle is provided for guests to and from the hotel. Standard taxi service is about $5.00. Providence-Warwick T.F. Green Airport offers travelers a "hassle-free" experience with airline service through Southwest Airlines, American Airlines / American Eagle, Continental Airlines / Continental Express, Delta Airlines / Delta Connection, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways. As an alternate option, Boston's Logan International Airport (Airport Code: BOS) is located about 45 miles away. Standard taxi service from Boston is about $100.00.

Amtrak rail service via Providence Station is available, located 12 miles from the hotel. Standard taxi service is about $20.00.

For those who will be driving, The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located at 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, RI 02886, and is adjacent to Interstate 95 North or South at Exit 12A. The Crowne Plaza Hotel offers Complimentary On-Site Parking for all guests.

Friday, July 21, 2006

3:00PM - Crowne Plaza Hotel Check-in Time

3:00PM to 10:00PM - The Registration Table will be Open.

7:00PM to 10:00PM - "Welcome to the Ocean State" General Reception & Candidates' Fundraiser (The Bristol Room)

Please note: This General Reception is Open to the Public. An RSVP is not required to attend this great event. However, a suggested minimum donation of $15/person or $25/couple to RIRA-PAC at the door would be greatly appreciated. Funds collected during this event will be used to support state Republican candidates. Thank you.

Welcoming Remarks - President Raymond T. McKay, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Welcoming Remarks - Northeast Region Vice President William Ricci, National Federation of Republican Assemblies

Welcoming Remarks - President Richard Engle, National Federation of Republican Assemblies

Republican Candidates' Fundraiser - Sponsored by the Rhode Island Republican Assembly State PAC (RIRA-PAC)

Remarks by other participating state and local Republican candidates

Keynote Speaker: Florida Attorney Rebecca O'Dell Townsend     www.rebeccaodell.org

Rebecca O’Dell Townsend is an appellate attorney, who has practiced before the United States Supreme Court, the Florida Supreme Court, as well as many federal and state appellate courts. Ms. Townsend has filed briefs with the United States Supreme Court on behalf of many groups, such as Liberty Counsel, Wallbuilders, and William Federer. Ms. Townsend is an Alliance Defense Fund allied attorney and is also a member of its honor guard.

Presentation Topic: "Our Current Constitutional Crisis: the Loss of our Republican Form of Government"

Special Guests Include: U.S. Senate Candidate Cranston Mayor Stephen P. Laffey, Candidate for Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, Republican candidate for Attorney General Bill Harsch, and other state and local Republican candidates.

Come enjoy plenty of catered Hors d' Oeuvres, helping out state and local Republican candidates, and a Cash Bar

Hors d' Oeuvres to include: Littleneck Clams, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Chicken Quesadillas, Breaded Ravioli, Beef Kabobs, and much more!

Saturday, July 22, 2006

8:00AM - Registration Resumes.

8:15AM - Doors Open for the Breakfast Program

8:30AM to 10:15AM - Northeast Conservative Conference Breakfast (The Rotunda)

Please note: The requested attire for this event is business casual.

Call to Order - President Raymond T. McKay, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Posting of the Colors

Pledge of Allegiance

Opening Remarks & Introduction of the Head Table - President Raymond T. McKay, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Invocation - NFRA Acting Chaplain Dr. Pat Briney, President, Arkansas Republican Assembly

Introduction of Breakfast Speaker - President Raymond T. McKay, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Greetings from the City of Warwick - Hon. Mayor Scott Avedesian - Confirmed*

9:00AM - Breakfast will be served.

Snug Harbor - Fluffy Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Home Fried Potatoes, Pastries, Breads, Juices, etc.

Introduction of Breakfast Speaker - Leo Thompson, King for Lt. Governor Deputy Campaign Manager

Breakfast Speaker - Mr. Kernan "Kerry" King, Republican candidate for Lt. Governor (R-RI) - Confirmed*

Introduction of Breakfast Speaker - Tom Shevlin, Harsch for Attorney General Campaign Manager

Breakfast Speaker - Hon. J. William Harsch, Republican candidate for Attorney General (R-RI) - Confirmed*

Introduction of Breakfast Speaker - President Raymond T. McKay, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Breakfast Speaker - Councilwoman Sue G. Stenhouse, Republican candidate for Secretary of State (R-RI) - Confirmed*

Introduction of Breakfast Speaker - Northeast Region Vice President William Ricci, NFRA

Breakfast Speaker - Mr. David B. Talan, Republican candidate for Mayor of Providence - Confirmed*

Introduction of Breakfast Speaker - Ryan Bilodeau, Chairman, University of Rhode Island College Republicans

Breakfast Speaker - Councilman Allan Fung, Republican candidate for Mayor of Cranston - Confirmed*

10:15AM to 10:45AM - NFRA Executive Committee Meeting - Admission by Invitation Only (The Belcourt Room)

10:15AM to 11:45PM - The Registration Table will be Open.

11:00AM to 11:30AM - NFRA Board of Directors Meeting - Session I (The Bristol Room "A")

11:15AM - Doors Open for the Luncheon Program

11:45PM to 2:00PM - Northeast Conservative Conference Luncheon & NFRA Board of Directors Meeting (The Rotunda)

Please note: The requested attire for this event is business casual or business attire.

Call to Order - President Raymond T. McKay, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Opening Remarks & Introduction of the Head Table - President Raymond T. McKay, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Invocation - NFRA Acting Chaplain Dr. Pat Briney, President, Arkansas Republican Assembly

12:00PM - Luncheon will be served.

Introduction of Luncheon Speaker - Northeast Region Vice President William Ricci, NFRA

Luncheon Speaker - President Richard Engle, National Federation of Republican Assemblies - Confirmed*

Introduction of Luncheon Speaker - President Raymond T. McKay, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Luncheon Speaker - Rita Parquette RN, Executive Director, Rhode Island State Right to Life Committee - Confirmed*

Introduction of Keynote Luncheon Speaker - President Richard Engle, National Federation of Republican Assemblies

Keynote Luncheon Speaker - United States Senator Dr. Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) - Confirmed*

Introduction of Luncheon Speaker - Paul Zisserson, Laffey for U.S. Senate

Luncheon Speaker - Hon. Mayor Stephen P. Laffey, Republican candidate for United States Senate (R-RI) - Confirmed*

Introduction of Luncheon Speakers - Vice President Michael Potaski, Massachusetts Republican Assembly

Luncheon Speaker - Rick Barton, Republican candidate for Congress, Sixth District (R-MA) - Confirmed*

Luncheon Speaker - Chuck Morse, Republican candidate for Congress, Fourth District (R-MA) - Confirmed*

1:25PM (5 Minute Break. Non-Board Members are free to leave the Luncheon at this point)

1:30PM to 2:00PM - NFRA Board of Directors Meeting - Session II (The Rotunda)

1:30PM - The Registration Table will be Open. "Walk in" registration for the afternoon panels is available for $25.00.

1:30PM to 2:30PM* - Post-Luncheon Reception with United States Senator Dr. Tom Coburn (The Tiverton Room)

*The Post-Luncheon Reception for Senator Dr. Tom Coburn is open to all of our guests. Sponsored by BellWest America.

What's Wrong with Open Primaries?

Creating a "Culture of Life"

Pennsylvania Republican Assembly General Reception

Hosted by: PA-RA First Vice President Ronald Davis

Casino Gaming in Rhode Island

Mr. Timothy Costa
Save Our State

Conservative Grassroots Mobilization

Kansas Republican Assembly General Reception

Pro-Life Film Presentation

"A Distant Thunder"

Hosted by: KRA President
Mark Gietzen

Winning the War on Terror

How one (conservative activist)
can make a difference

Massachusetts Republican Assembly General Reception

Hosted by: MA-RA Vice President
Michael Potaski

Enjoy snacks and refreshments and meet MA-RA endorsed U.S. Congressional candidates:

Illegal Immigration Reform

Conservatives in Media

Assembly Education Fund General Reception

Hosted by: AEF-RI Chairman
Raymond T. McKay

Enjoy snacks and refreshments and learn more about the AEF

Protecting American Gun Rights

Reforming Public Education

Republican Assembly of Vermont General Reception

Hosted by: RAVT President
David Ayer

Enjoy snacks and refreshments and meet the following individuals:

Eminent Domain / Judicial Tyranny

Taxes, More Taxes, & Flat Taxes

5:00PM - Assembly Education Fund Board of Directors Meeting - Admission by Invitation Only (The Barrington Room)

5:25PM - NFRA State Presidents Association Meeting - President Cassandra Tousley, TNRA (The Barrington Room)

6:00PM to 7:00PM - Northeast Conservative Conference - General Reception & Cocktail Hour (The Tiverton Room)

"Will it be RINOs or REAGAN?"  - Hon. Michael Spence, President of the California Republican Assembly

We also invite you to enjoy a special video tribute honoring President Ronald Reagan

Enjoy complimentary Hors d' Oeuvres and a Cash Bar. Sponsored by the California Republican Assembly.

6:45PM - Doors Open for the Dinner Program (The Bristol Room)

7:00PM to 10:00PM - Northeast Conservative Conference Ronald Reagan Dinner (The Bristol Room)

Please note: The requested attire for this event is formal, semi-formal, or business attire.

Call to Order - President Raymond T. McKay, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Posting of the Colors

Pledge of Allegiance - Lt. Col. James K. Haldeman, USMC (Ret.), State Representative candidate, Dist. 35 (R-RI)

Opening Remarks & Introduction of the Head Table - President Raymond T. McKay, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Invocation - NFRA Acting Chaplain Dr. Pat Briney, President, Arkansas Republican Assembly

7:30PM - Dinner will be served.

Introduction of Dinner Speaker - Northeast Region Vice President William Ricci, National Federation of Republican Assemblies

Dinner Speaker - President Richard Engle, National Federation of Republican Assemblies - Confirmed*

Introduction of Dinner Speaker - Dr. Shawn Mitchell, Secretary, National Federation of Republican Assemblies

Dinner Speaker - Executive Vice President Rod Martin, National Federation of Republican Assemblies - Confirmed*

Introduction of Dinner Speaker - Vice President Michael Potaski, Massachusetts Republican Assembly

Dinner Speaker - Hon. Ken Chase, Republican candidate for United States Senate (R-MA) - Confirmed*

Introduction of Keynote Dinner Speaker - Mr. Scott Bill Hirst, Candidate for Hopkinton Town Council

Keynote Dinner Speaker - Ms. Susette Kelo, SCOTUS Lead Plaintiff, Kelo vs. City of New London - Invited*

Introduction of Dinner Speaker - Hon. Malcolm McGuire, Laffey for U.S. Senate

Dinner Speaker - Hon. Mayor Stephen P. Laffey, Republican candidate for United States Senate (R-RI) - Confirmed*

Introduction of Dinner Speaker - President David Ayer, Republican Assembly of Vermont

Dinner Speaker - Hon. Phil Kiver, Author of "182 Days in Iraq" - Confirmed*

Introduction of Dinner Speaker - Hon. Phil Kiver, Parke for Senate Campaign Manager

Dinner Speaker - Lt. Col. Greg T. Parke, USAF (Ret.), Republican candidate for United States Senate (R-VT) - Confirmed*

Introduction of Dinner Speaker - President David Ayer, Republican Assembly of Vermont

Dinner Speaker - State Senator Mark Shepard, Republican candidate for United States Congress (R-VT) - Confirmed*

Introduction of Dinner Speaker - Mr. David Coté, Secretary, Rhode Island Republican Party

Dinner Speaker - Lt. Col. James K. Haldeman, USMC (Ret.), State Representative candidate, Dist. 35 (R-RI) - Confirmed*

Retiring of the Colors

10:00PM to 11:00PM - Post-Dinner Reception - (The Bristol Room)

Sunday, July 23, 2006

7:15AM - Doors Open for the Breakfast Program

7:30AM to 9:00AM - NFRA Prayer Breakfast & Chapel Service (The Bristol Room)

Please note: The requested attire for this event is business casual or business attire.

Call to Order - President Raymond T. McKay, Rhode Island Republican Assembly

Pledge of Allegiance

Chapel Service - Led by NFRA Acting Chaplain Dr. Pat Briney, President, Arkansas Republican Assembly

Old and New Testament Scripture Readings

Invocation

8:00AM - Breakfast will be served.

Apponaug Cove - Fresh Fruit Cup, French Toast with Vermont Maple Syrup & Butter, Sausage, Breads, Preserves, etc.

Presentation topic: "The Battle for Intelligent Design"

8:30AM to 9:00AM - NFRA Board of Directors Meeting - Session III (if necessary)*

9:00AM - Adjournment*

9:45AM - Check-in for the Newport Excursion at the Hotel Lobby (see below for more information)

10:00AM - Charter Bus Scheduled to Depart from the Crowne Plaza Hotel for Newport

11:00AM - Crowne Plaza Hotel Check-out Time*

4:00PM - Charter Bus Scheduled to Return to the Crowne Plaza Hotel* 

9:45AM - Check-in for the Newport Excursion at the Hotel Lobby*

10:00AM - Charter Bus Departs Crowne Plaza Hotel for Newport

10:30AM - Charter Bus Tour of Historic Downtown Newport & Mansions

12:00PM - Lunch at The Moorings in Historic Downtown Newport

1:00PM - Souvenir shopping opportunity (as time permits)*

1:30PM - Interior and Exterior Tour of The Breakers

3:00PM - Charter Bus Departs Newport

4:00PM - Charter Bus Scheduled to Return to the Crowne Plaza Hotel*    c. 1895 - The Breakers (aka Cornelius Vanderbilt's "summer cottage")