More than 500 automobile retailers from across the United States descended on Capitol Hill May 21-22 during the 25th annual American International Automotive Congress. Sponsored by the American International Automobile

Dealers Association (AIADA), the Automotive Congress bills itself as the largest grassroots-lobbying event in the automotive industry, bringing dealers and industry executives together for two days of issues briefings and speeches by political leaders.

Highlighting this year's event, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and noted consumer advocate Ralph Nader squared off, offering differing perspectives on a variety of issues from their respective conservative and liberal viewpoints during Tuesday's Super Session.

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) also addressed attendees during the session. Top political pundits Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report and Stuart Rothenberg, editor and publisher of The Rothenberg Political Report, discussed the upcoming elections during May 21's Grassroots Leadership Forum.

Rep. David Dreier (R-Calif.), former Rep. Jack Kemp and Newsweek economist Robert Samuelson shared their unique perspectives

during May 22's Super Session.

The All-Star Dealer Awards, sponsored by

Newsweek and The Washington Post, honored civic volunteerism and charitable

giving by automobile dealers.

Legendary football coach Don Shula was the

keynote speaker at this gala event on the evening of May 21.

Dealers headed to Capitol Hill on the afternoon of May 22, where they gathered with colleagues from their state or home district to meet with their members of Congress and make their voices heard on key industry issues, including permanent repeal of the death tax, support for trade promotion authority, and energy/fuel

economy legislation.