Palin Ditches GOP Retreat

While Alaska Governor Sarah Palin jetted to the East Coast for the exclusive partay in honor of Robert E. Lee, she appears to have missed a Republican function that she was invited to this weekend as well.

ABC's The Note reports that the former Vice Presidential candidate was invited to attend the GOP Congressmen's annual retreat held in Hot Springs, VA. The Congressional Institute, who hosted the event, told ABC News that Palin politely declined the invitation to speak there due to pressing state business.

From The Note:

So where is Palin this weekend? She's in Washington, D.C., attending the super-elite Alfalfa Dinner.

"She lied to us," said a Republican at the retreat.

Asked why Palin told the Republicans she could not leave Alaska this weekend, Palin spokesman Bill McAllister offered this non-responsive answer:

"My understanding is that the governor has not scheduled any partisan events on her current trip to D.C.," McAllister told ABC News.

The Congressmen had to make do with Mitt Romney, Michael Steele and Newt Gingrich. When asked about Palin's absence, House Republican Leader John Boehner said, "Whatever."

Ouch.