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House Democratic Retreat to Focus on ‘Dream’ Messaging

Updated: 7:30 p.m.

House Democrats will decamp Wednesday from Washington to the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina in Cambridge, Md., to hone their jobs and economy message going into the 2012 election.

According to a draft retreat agenda, Democrats will focus on the theme “Reignite the American Dream” during the three-day retreat that is “intended to highlight those goals and help prepare members of the caucus to continue to fight to restore jobs to the millions left behind by the Great Recession.”

The retreat’s discussions lean heavily on core policy issues, including panels titled “Ladies First: A Conversation on Advancing Women’s issues in 2012,” “Budget Priorities and Defense Spending,” “Seniors Task Force” and financial, health care and tax issues, among others.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. will also host a discussion on the “History of the Democratic Party: the Struggle for Rights,” and Members will participate in numerous election-oriented discussions on messaging, polling and the use of new media. SKDKnickerbocker Managing Director Anita Dunn and Media Talent 2.0, Inc. President Joel Silberman will also host media training sessions for Members throughout the day Thursday.

Wednesday evening’s festivities are highlighted by an “American Voices Panel” that includes pundit Paul Begala and the leaders of several Democratic-leaning interest groups, while MSNBC host Ed Schultz will participate in a panel on Minority Whip Steny Hoyer’s (Md.) “Make it in America” plan.

When not participating in discussions, Members, staff and their spouses can also see the sights in Cambridge, which the Hyatt’s website describes as the “ideal location for family activities and water sports.”

According to the website, amenities include “pampering spa treatments, golf, sailing, fishing and swimming … [and] delicious meals in our many Cambridge, Maryland hotel resort restaurants.”

“Visit St. Michaels and Oxford, tour the Naval Academy and historic Annapolis, or explore museums and landmarks, all within easy reach of our Four-Diamond resort. Discover the unparalleled service and amenities of this hidden gem, the most distinctive retreat among Cambridge, MD hotels,” the website adds.

Correction: Jan. 24, 2012

An earlier version of this story misstated who is hosting a discussion on the “History of the Democratic Party: the Struggle for Rights.”

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