Andrew Breitbart: CPAC an X-Factor in Election

Influential conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart says this CPAC has the potential to play a big role in the 2012 presidential race. Breitbart called it an "X-factor in this election cycle."

He says the crowds as CPAC are a smart group. In fact, he commends them for being "more informed than me on the politics." But, Breitbart doesn't feel as fondly about the candidates remaining in the GOP presidential race. He says "none of the candidates left excite him."

Breitbart calls former House Speaker Newt Gingrich "damaged goods." And he says that people are misreading Gingrich's win in South Carolina as a nod from the Tea Party. Breitbart calls Gingrich a "proxy" who won the anti Mitt Romney vote.

As for Rommney, Breitbart says he needs to use CPAC to "get in the trenches" and get in touch with the Tea Party voters who are responsible for change in the Republican party. Breitbart claims Romney is "managing his campaign from afar."

Breitbart, also sees CPAC as a potential "game changer" for former Senator Rick Santorum. Breitbart says Santorum doesn't "recognize the media is everything" in this election. He says Santorum needs to use the media to emotionally connect with voters and continue the momentum he picked up in Colorado, Missouri and Minnesota.

Gingrich, Romney and Santorum are all scheduled to speak Friday. Congressman Ron Paul is not attending CPAC.

*Lexi Stemple contributed to this blog.