Badger State Republicans are hitting the road for their annual convention . The GOP suffered disappointing losses last election but a party leader says they have a renewed vigor with this year's attendance exceeding the 2008 convention.
"A lot of people are fired up to get back to work and make 2010 a great election year," says Wisconsin Republican Party Executive Director Mark Jefferson.
Those attending will get a chance Friday night to see the new Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele. Jefferson says Steele has been making the rounds nationally but hasn't attended many state conventions. Jefferson says Steele's Wisconsin appearance is due in part to their state chairman Reince Priebus who works closely with the RNC head. Priebus backed Steele early as a candidate and helped him win the election.
The convention runs through Sunday in La Crosse.