Party leaders addressed the annual Republican black-tie gala, including former Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole who assured the crowd that he had brushed off his defeat of last year. He pointed out that the party is strong and has “transformed American politics.” Keynote speaker Governor Whitman criticized President Clinton’s use of the White House Lincoln Bedroom for major donors. U.S. House Speaker Gingrich praised the new Republican federal budget proposal. The fund-raising gala raised $11.3 million for the Republican Party.