Day one of the 2006 SRLC concluded with U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Miss. Gov. Haley Barbour, the honorable J.C. Watts of Oklahoma and AZ Sen. John McCain.

Marsha Blackburn’s task for the night was to introduce the candidates, but she had the delegates on their feet in her own right.

Haley Barbour encouraged Republicans to get out the vote in 2006 and spoke about the Katrina relief effort. [Photo from file].

J.C. Watts encouraged the party to embrace minorities and celebrate diversity. Several in the audience say his speech was one of the most impressive.

All eyes were on John McCain Friday night. Afterward, he met with several delegates, including the Iraq War veteran pictured above.

The first general session on Friday brought us Sen. Lamar Alexander, GOP Chair Ken Mehlman, Gov. Mitt Romney, Sen. Norm Coleman and Sen. David Vitter, among others.

TN Sen. Lamar Alexander took to the piano, with country singer Steve Warner on vocals and guitar.

GOP Chair Ken Mehman told delegates that the 2006 elections are very important and suggested some new slogans for Democrats.

Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney made himself available to SRLC delages before the session began.

MN Sen. Norm Coleman, a former Democrat, delivered some red meat to fellow Republicans, attacking the party he said left him.

LA Sen. David Vitter, stressing he isn’t a presidential candidate, thanked the audience for their help in rebuilding after Katrina.