Rick Perry Headlining Fundraiser For Virginia Republican Party

WASHINGTON -- Texas Governor Rick Perry, a Republican presidential candidate, will be the marquee speaker at a fundraiser for the Virginia Republican Party on Sept. 14, appearing with Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R).

The lunch event will be held at the Richmond Convention Center and cost attendees between $55 and $10,000 to attend. The top "Platinum" contribution level will earn attendees a reserved table for 10 people, six tickets to a meet-and-greet with McDonnell, a photo opportunity and two tickets for the governor's head table.

McDonnell is the new head of the Republican Governors Association. He took over from Perry, who stepped down because of his presidential campaign.

"We're absolutely thrilled that Governor Perry will be with us for this event," said Virginia GOP Chairman Pat Mullins. "Governor Perry's record in Texas of lower taxes, limited government, and job growth looks familiar to anyone who pays attention to Virginia politics. Like our own Governor Bob McDonnell, Gov. Perry has balanced his state's budget by making prudent decisions, rather than treating taxpayers like an ATM."

As Mullins points out in his statement, Virginia will be a key battleground state in the 2012 election. The fundraiser gives Perry a prime chance to meet with activists and donors in the state, and vice versa.

"This event is a great opportunity for the grassroots -- the people who make the Republican Party of Virginia work -- to get to know one of frontrunners for our party's presidential nomination," said Mullins.

McDonnell, who served as Perry's vice-chair at the RGA, said he had discussed the presidential race with the Texas governor before he jumped in. McDonnell has not yet endorsed a candidate and has no plans to do so until "at least after November."