RNC 2012

Happy Election Day! As people around the US put our right to vote into action — including our own Sugar editors! — we get closer to finding out who will be in the White House for the next four years. But whether you're casting your ballot for Barack Obama or Mitt Romney, our admiration of attractive men crosses party lines. So while we love us some sexy liberals, we also can't help but ogle these hot Republicans.

If you lean to the right, you've probably already scoped out these guys, but you don't have to agree with their politics to appreciate these good-looking Republican politicians (after all, opposites attract, right?). There's someone for everyone, whether you like salt-and-pepper-haired senators or 20-something models turned White House staffers. Or, like these Time photos of Paul Ryan show, pumped-up vice presidential candidates. So if you're into a suited-up fella who can walk the political talk, take a peek at these conservative cuties!

Both nominees' wives took to the national convention stages to speak on behalf of their presidential hopeful husbands. First, Mitt Romney's wife, Ann Romney, addressed the RNC in Tampa, and then Michelle Obama took to the DNC podium in Charlotte. But it's not just their words at these events that are being scrutinized; it's also their fashion choices. While Ann wore an Oscar de la Renta gown by the 80-year-old designer that retails at $1,990, Michelle chose to wear a custom dress by African-American designer Tracy Reese that will cost less than $500 (paired with J.Crew pumps that retail at $245). Even the color choices are being discussed, with Ann's frock in "Nancy Reagan red" and Michelle's in a feminine (politically-neutral) pink. But the big issue is whether or not these first ladies are making a statement with the cost of their clothing. With the DNC focusing on appealing to the middle class, it makes sense that Michelle would pick an "attainable" outfit for the speech, so was it a faux pas for Ann to pick a pricey gown?

Perhaps since they aren't the ones running for office, spouses should be off-limits when it comes to media scrutiny. But the question remains: whether they're wearing Target dresses or frocks straight from the runway, should the spouses of our world leaders be judged for what they spend on fashion? And is it really about the expensive clothing, or is it more about the context in which it's worn? Of course Ann isn't the only political wife to garner negative attention for her fashion spending habits; Michelle has had her fair share as well. Weigh in below, and click through to see more photos of the controversial first-lady outfits.

There are no women on the major presidential tickets this year, but we're still getting lots of attention. The women's vote is crucial to both parties and we make up one of the fastest growing voting demographics. Right now, President Obama holds a sizable lead in the polls with women. And Republicans haven't helped their cause with those who support reproductive rights. Mitt Romney opposes the free birth control mandate in the Affordable Care Act and funding for Planned Parenthood, and the official party platform calls for a ban on abortion in all cases. But there wasn't much sign of the GOP's "war on women," as the Democrats call it, while I was at the RNC in Tampa. Enthusiastic Republican women were showing their support for Mitt Romney.

Admittedly, these are the party faithful and not swing voters. Still, they don't always agree with everything their party supports, even if they really want Romney to defeat President Obama. Some of the women I spoke to, for example, identified as pro-choice. If you'd like insight into who the women are at the RNC, keep reading for my original profiles.

One down, one more to go! We just finished up reporting live from the Republican National Convention in Tampa, and we'll be venturing over to Charlotte, NC, for the Democratic National Convention next week. But before Obama's big week, we want to share our RNC adventure with some candid Instagram snaps.

It's been an eventful few days covering the conservative convention, to say the least. We got to Tampa on Monday night, but the first day was canceled due to Tropical Storm Isaac. We were there when the GOP kicked things off on Tuesday, and when Mitt Romney officially accepted his nomination last night. Considering the Republicans — namely, Rick Santorum, who spoke the first night and Romney's VP pick, Paul Ryan — have had a less than ideal record on women's issues, we were curious to be on the ground. And while there were plenty of Romney-supporting women inside (decked out in patriotic garb), there were also some very vocal women protesting the party's stance on women's reproductive rights.

Check out our pics from the RNC of the celebrities we interviewed, the patriotic ladies at the event, and other behind-the-scenes shots now. And to see what we'll be up to at the DNC, follow TrèsSugar on Instagram!

On the third and final day of the Republican National Convention, Mitt Romney accepted the nomination for president with a solid speech. While he didn't offer many specifics, Romney stayed away from the glaring misrepresentations made by VP hopeful Paul Ryan on Wednesday. He also mentioned many of the women in his life, including his mother, his wife, Ann, and the Republican women he has worked with. Romney's speech was undoubtedly the high point of the Republican's three-day political extravaganza.

From where I was watching inside the convention center, Craig Romney's speech earlier in the night also came off well. The youngest of Mitt and Ann's five sons, Craig took the stage to talk about how proud he was of his father. He also showed off his Spanish skills and even became emotional at times. With all the talk of the need to humanize Mitt Romney, I think Craig did a remarkable job at it — perhaps even better than Ann did on Tuesday.

And how can we forget Clint Eastwood and his empty chair? That unexpected and unusual speech will go down in convention history. For more on my day at the RNC, just keep reading my recap of day three. And be sure to check back next week, when we head to the Democratic National Convention!

Tonight Mitt Romney officially accepted his presidential nomination with his speech on the final night of the Republican National Convention. He talked about his church, success, and the women in his life, as well as name-dropping famous men who recently passed away, like Neil Armstrong and Steve Jobs.

TrèsSugar editor Annie Scudder was watching from inside. She reports that there were more protests during Mitt's speech, as there were during Paul Ryan's and Rick Santorum's. She says, "At one point I couldn't hear what Mitt was saying because of people shouting protests from different parts of the arena. One person got tackled in front of me and taken out, I presume by security. Still, Mitt seemed at ease. He spoke about growing up Mormon and his unconditional love for his family." Additionally, he talked about his mom, perhaps hoping to appeal to women voters, and got big cheers when he listed off female Republican leaders and noted that he appointed many women during his tenure as governor of Massachusetts. Annie added that it put her off a little when he said this about his wife: "Ann would have succeeded at anything she wanted to do," as if she missed her chance to be successful — but he did really stress how much he valued her work as a mom.

After the speech and lots of "USA, USA" chanting, the place filled with red, white, and blue balloons, and the whole Romney troupe took to the stage with Paul Ryan and his family. See photos of Mitt's big coming-out party in Tampa, including his celebrity presenter, Clint Eastwood, now.