Will Paul Ryan Join Mitt Romney at Lake Minnetonka Fundraisers?

Updated Aug. 17

His name does not appear on invitations sent to GOP supporters, but Paul Ryan may join Mitt Romney today when the presumptive Republican presidential nominee makes a pair of visits to the Lake Minnetonka area.

Romney is scheduled to first visit the Lafayette Club in Minnetonka Beach this evening (Thursday, Aug. 23), for a reception with supporters who contribute at least $2,500 to the campaign. Romney will then have dinner at the home of Marty Davis in Shorewood—where he will be joined by couples who have contributed $50,000 or more.

Campaign officials had previously said Romney and vice presidential running mate Ryan would campaign and fundraise separately until after the Republican National Convention in Florida, which begins Aug. 27.

But Politico reported Friday morning that aides have shifted course on that thinking because of the energy boost Ryan gave Romney during a series of rally’s last week—telling the website that Ryan would join Romney for a town hall in New Hampshire and at unspecified appearances in the Midwest.

Among those included on the guest list for tonight's events in the Lake Minnetonka area include former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who was on Romney's short list of vice presidential candidates before Ryan got the nod earlier this month. Former U.S. Senators Norm Coleman and Rudy Boschwitz are also listed as headliners.

Photo opportunities with Mitt Romney will cost couples a $10,000 contribution.

Thursday's fundraisers coincide with the opening of the Minnesota State Fair, although no plans have so far been announced for Romney to visit the fairgrounds.

The pair of fundraisers are being paid for by Romney Victory, Inc.—a body made up of several GOP fundraising committees supporting Romney's presidential campaign. Contributions to Romney Victory, Inc. are not tax deductable.

Romney's last visit to Minnesota came back in early February, when he was  during a rally in Eagan.

President Obama won the state of Minnesota during the 2008 election by more than 10 points. Richard Nixon was the last Republican presidential hopeful to win the Land of 10,000 Lakes and its 10 electoral votes.

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