Lisa De Pasquale, former director of the Conservative Political Action Conference, has shared memories of David Keene, the late chairman of the American Conservative Union. She highlights his commitment to nurturing emerging conservative leaders through CPAC. Keene's efforts helped platform figures like Marco Rubio early in their careers.
David Keene served as chairman of the American Conservative Union in a volunteer capacity, overseeing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) during a pivotal era for the conservative movement. Lisa De Pasquale worked alongside him as CPAC director from June 2006 to April 2011, starting at age 28 after a recommendation from Ann Coulter, who emailed that De Pasquale needed instructions only once.
De Pasquale recalls Keene's inclusive approach, valuing dissent and new perspectives within conservatism. He championed voices from diverse groups, including Chris Barron's efforts to represent conservative gays and allies, as well as Tea Party leaders critical of congressional Republicans. Keene prioritized decisions benefiting conference attendees over personal preferences, once calling one of De Pasquale's speaker ideas "inspired."
A key example was in February 2010, when Keene invited Marco Rubio—then an underdog in Florida's Republican primary against Charlie Crist—to open CPAC, signaling support to Republicans and the media. He also boosted young talents by spotlighting dozens of emerging leaders and activists. In 2009, Keene suggested De Pasquale introduce closing speaker Rush Limbaugh, noting her admiration for him as her inspiration, akin to Reagan. Later, she introduced Donald Trump during a surprise CPAC appearance arranged by Barron.
Keene ensured CPAC remained accessible to students, honoring a promise to President Reagan by keeping registration fees at $25-50, or $15 for early birds, despite rising hotel costs. This made the event a vital networking hub for young conservatives, fostering connections in hallways and bars. De Pasquale credits Keene with teaching her to choose battles wisely and support allies in a transactional political environment.
Both departed in 2011. Keene's daughter Kerry reflected, "I will remember not the public figure, but a father who welcomed me as his own, who gave me a home, and my first job." De Pasquale emphasizes Keene's roots in campus activism, as noted by John Gizzi on Newsmax, and his role in making CPAC essential for College Republicans.
