Former presidential candidates, senators and governors are lining up to discuss hot issues on confer-cruises (our phrase), for those who like to combine a good argument with a week or two on the ocean wave.

This month alone, two are being hosted by Republicans and one by a Democrat.

Republicans are represented by Alan Simpson, a former senator from Wyoming — and an outspoken advocate for gay rights and access to abortion —and Scott Brown, who used to be a senator for Massachusetts and is now a political contributor to Fox News.