Story highlights The RNC's members huddled this week for their final gathering before the national party convention

The week's meeting came as Donald Trump has called the GOP's nominating process "rigged," "corrupt" and "a disgrace"

Hollywood, Florida (CNN) Given the high drama of this presidential primary, one can sympathize with the Republican National Committee for holding its annual spring meeting at a resort advertised as "an elegant retreat from the realities of day to day existence."

The committee's members --168 Republicans who traveled here from every state and territory in the country -- huddled this week at the beachside Diplomat Resort and Spa for their final gathering before the national party convention in July.

Over three days, members discussed plans for the upcoming convention, debated privately about the faults and merits of the three remaining presidential candidates and listened to presentations from campaigns for why they would be the best contenders to win the general election in November. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich both made personal appeals before the party members -- who also serve as convention delegates -- should support them, while Donald Trump sent a team of advisers to make his case.

The week's event was not all business, of course. Members also spent the week wining and dining with guests and lobbyists. On the first night, RNC members boarded a five-story luxury yacht called the Grand Floridian -- the same one Kim Kardashian sailed on just a few years ago -- for an evening cruise. (Barred from attending, CNN reporters dutifully trailed the floating party in a small chase boat.)

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