The mission of the 2012 Mock Convention is twofold. First, we aim to correctly predict the 2012 Republican presidential candidate. Because the Convention will be held on February 10, 2012, an exciting juncture in the primary season, the final prediction has the potential to influence the direction of Republican presidential campaigns. Second, we hope to inspire excitement, knowledge, and participation in the American political process throughout the Washington and Lee community. Students will spend months researching candidates and their platforms, state primary (and caucus) processes, and relevant political issues and polls. In culmination of these efforts, the Convention will simulate the process by which the Republican presidential candidate will actually be selected by voters, state by state, across the country. Between “getting it right” and bringing student involvement to an all-time high, Mock Convention will also lavishly and opulently celebrate students’ quests to become active in the American political process. Mock Convention will provide only the best social and academic experiences to the W&L community, allowing students to immerse themselves in American politics while also having fun.