Huckabee, Hutchinson to host McCain fundraiser in Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK Former Gov. Mike Huckabee and former congressman Asa Hutchinson will host the $2,300-a-person fundraiser for John McCain's presidential campaign in Little Rock on Friday.

The presumptive Republican nominee will join Huckabee, his one time rival for the White House, and others for the fundraising luncheon Friday at the Capital Hotel in downtown Little Rock. For $2,300, contributors will get lunch and a photo opportunity with the Arizona senator, according to an invitation for the event.

Contribution levels for the event also include $1,000 per person for "sponsors" and $250 for "guests," according to the invitation.

J. French Hill, chairman and chief executive officer of Delta Trust and Banking Corp. of Little Rock, and Warren Stephens, president and CEO of Stephens Inc., are listed as the Arkansas finance co-chairs for McCain's presidential campaign.

The fundraiser will divide contributions from the event among McCain's campaign, a compliance fund, the Republican National Committee and the state parties in Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico and Wisconsin.

Jeff Sadosky, a spokesman for McCain's campaign, said Monday that the states that will receive money are states that the campaign has identified as key target states that don't have the fundraising base to get out the vote in the November election.

"(Arkansas) has a pretty strong fundraising organization," Sadosky said.

McCain also plans a public campaign event during his swing through the state, but Sadosky did not have any details on the time or location.

Huckabee, who served as governor for 10 1/2 years, dropped out of the Republican presidential race last month after McCain won enough delegates to secure the party's nomination. Hutchinson, a former federal Homeland Security official, had backed Huckabee's White House run but switched his support to McCain shortly before Huckabee dropped out of the race.