(WILMINGTON) -- As North Carolina Republicans are still taking pride in winning majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly for the first time since 1870, the state's Republicans are gathering this weekend to elect a leader and get inspired by speakers as the 2012 elections draw closer.

North Carolina party chairman of the GOP, Robin Hayes, says the message being sent this weekend is "focus on getting the job done." He says, "Twelve hundred plus have registered. The message is - stop the spending, get rid of the debt. It's about preparation, inspiration and perspiration. Preparation, train, organize, have people on the ground, inspiration," he said.

Scheduled speakers include first-term U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, likely gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory and conservative activist Andrew Breitbart. The convention began Friday afternoon in Wilmington and continues through Sunday.