Presidential Hopefuls to Speak at House GOP Retreat

Potential Republican presidential candidates for 2012 are busy getting their ducks in a row. Several will speak at the annual House Republican lawmakers retreat this weekend, The Hill reports.

They include former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Texas Gov. Rick Perry. Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt.

Columnist George Will and radio host Dennis Prager also are scheduled to address the gathering that begins Thursday in Baltimore.

Last year when Democrats were in control of the House, President Barack Obama spoke at the retreat but he wasn't invited back.

This year's retreat "will focus on the House Republican pledge to the American people for more jobs and less government spending," according to a release issued by the conference.