CPAC convenes in Chicago, plus more to watch for this weekend in politics

ByABC News
June 8, 2012, 7:18 AM

— -- The Conservative Political Action Committee, better known by the abbreviation CPAC, gathers in Chicago on Friday to talk about smaller government, strong national defense and traditional values. Speakers include New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Rick Santorum, Rep. Michele Bachmann, U.S. Senate candidate for Indiana Richard Mourdock, Herman Cain and Rick Santorum.

Santorum is expected to use his CPAC appearance to talk more about his plans now that his bid for the GOP presidential nomination has long since ended. He also will speak at the Texas GOP Convention Gala Banquet on Friday, and he has an appearance on "Fox and Friends."

Mitt Romney will campaign Friday in Iowa, a battleground state that President Barack Obama won in 2008.Later in the day he heads to Utah for an appearance with Sen. Orrin Hatch and fundraisers. Romney picked up Sen. Rand Paul's endorsement late Thursday night, although Sen. Paul notes that his first choice is still his father, Rep. Ron Paul.

Obama will be busy at the White House meeting with Philippines President Benigno Aquino and then with the New York Giants, the Super Bowl XLVI champions.

On Saturday, Sen. Rob Portman will be in Columbus to open Romney's Ohio headquarters, Sen. John McCain will be in Fargo to speak at the North Dakota Republican Roundup, and Rep. Paul Ryan will speak at the Texas GOP Convention.

Ken Duberstein, chief of staff to President Ronald Reagan, will be at the Newseum on Sunday to speak about the 25th anniversary of Reagan challenging Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall."

And then there is this: John Edwards turns 59 Sunday, and Sasha Obama will celebrate her turning 11.

Sources: Yahoo! News, Associated Press