Just a few days after being notably absent from President Barack Obama's second inaugural ceremony, former presidential candidate Mitt Romney will head to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception in his honor.
As the National Journal first reported, Romney and his wife, Ann, are scheduled to attend a business luncheon Friday at Washington’s J.W. Marriott Hotel hosted by two of his campaign's top fundraisers. Romney rejoined the board of directors at Marriott International after losing the election last year.
CNN reports that the Romneys will also attend Saturday night's black tie Alfalfa Club Dinner while in Washington. Obama spoke at last year's event.
Romney has done his best to remain out of the spotlight following his loss to Obama. He ate lunch with the president after his defeat in November, and has been spotted in various places, but for the most part has remained largely out of the public eye.
On Monday, an aide told NBC News that Romney was at his beach home in La Jolla, Calif., during Obama's inauguration. While Romney reportedly had "no big plans," the aide said it was "doubtful" that Romney would watch the ceremony.
Romney was the first losing presidential candidate not to attend the inauguration since Michael Dukakis in 1989. Dukakis reportedly opted to remain in Massachusetts, watching the day's events on television while eating a tuna sandwich. He did, however, send a telegram to the White House, offering incoming President George H.W. Bush his congratulations.
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