(KCEN) -- Some of the nation's top Republicans are headlining the Conservative Political Action Conference this week.
Among them, Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
The CPAC is the largest and oldest annual gathering of conservatives.
That's why many were surprised when Perry told his colleagues that they should change the way they relate to the Hispanic community.
Perry said, "No one, no one who risks life and limb to reach our shores comes here hoping for a government handout. They want opportunity. They want freedom and they want a better shot at providing for their families."
The three-day event is also considered a cattle call in the next race for the White House.
The CPAC runs until Saturday.
