Perry to keynote Kentucky GOP dinner

The chairman of the Republican Governors Association will keynote a Kentucky Republican Party fundraising dinner, an indication that the RGA considers that state's gubernatorial race important.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) will address the state's Lincoln Day Dinner in Louisville on April 9, Kentucky Republican Party Chairman Steve Robertson confirmed to cn|2 Politics. According to cn|2, the majority of the Kentucky congressional delegation is expected to attend the event.

The fact that Perry is keynoting the dinner is a sign the RGA is increasingly optimistic about its chances to unseat Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear. A number of Kentucky Republicans are competing for the GOP nomination, including businessman Phil Moffet, Republican state Senate President David Williams and Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw. Beshear is running for reelection unopposed.

The RGA has said it expects the Kentucky governor's race to be one of the most competitive this year.

The Republican primary is May 17. The general election is Nov. 8.