Blair to sugar-coat GOP ‘sweet retreat’

Just a few hours away from where President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron were set to begin two days of talks on Thursday, former British PM Tony Blair was invited to speak to Republican lawmakers, who were holding a so-called “sweet retreat” in Hershey, Pa., otherwise known as Chocolatetown, U.S.A. The GOP took control of both houses of Congress last week following their midterm victories in November.

The former Labour Party leader is admired by many in the GOP, due in large part to his support for the war in Iraq, led by the administration of George W. Bush, who called Blair “a strong person and a reliable friend” in April as he unveiled portraits he painted of the former PM and several other world leaders.

The Telegraph reported that Blair won’t be paid for attending the retreat and addressing Republicans lawmakers, but will reportedly be reimbursed for travel costs — including the reported $149 per night room rates. That certainly won’t break the bank for Blair, who is said to be worth $15 million, though the Telegraph reports that he is worth “far more than that.”

In June, the paper said Blair estimated worth, when taking into account his properties and a country estate were actually closer to $106 million, or 70 million pounds.

Blair, nicknamed Teflon Tony for his ability to deflect criticism, has come under scrutiny in the years since leaving office for his lucrative post-public service earnings that reportedly included speaking fees as high as $273,000 and a nearly $7 million earning for his memoirs.

He has also made millions in his role as an adviser to the investment bank JP Morgan and the Swiss global insurance company Zurich International along with the advisory roles he has played to the governments, including those of which rights groups have criticized for having poor human rights records.

The two-day retreat, meanwhile, comes just weeks after Republicans in both the House and the Senate again took control of Congress and as its new session began last week. Aides to lawmakers told Reuters said the Republicans would be trying strategizing on topics, including immigration, the economy, healthcare and the budget.

Blair is expected address Senators and House members during lunch on Thursday, a day after comedian and former late night television host Jay Leno entertained attendees during dinner, Politico reported.

"I'm very excited to hear from him and in fact it was a real draw for me to attend the conference," Maine Sen. Susan Collins told the Telegraph on Wednesday.

The one-two punch of Leno and Blair will no doubt help Republicans face bitter Beltway battles with their chin up and a big grin ... and the knowledge that even when the public no longer wants you on their TVs, there are still plenty of people that will welcome you to their boards and their retreats.