Big party for Democrats, quiet reflection for GOP

For many Republicans, this is a good weekend to get away from it all.

With hundreds of thousands of Democrats traveling to nation’s capital for President Barack Obama’s inauguration activities, Republicans and supporters of last fall’s GOP presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, are leaving town, or staying put and trying to avoid the crowds.

After failing to recapture the White House for a second straight presidential election, many are not exactly in a partying mood.

“It’s a good time to lay low,” said John Feehery, the president of Quinn Gillespie Communications and a former top congressional aide.

As Democrats prepare to mark Obama’s second inauguration on Monday by bundling up along the parade route or dressing up for balls, Republicans are spending the long Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend with quick vacation getaways, quiet time at home or trips to the movie theater.

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