Romney to raise money with Cheney
(CBS News) In one of a series of high-profile Thursday political events, Mitt Romney will head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where former Vice President Dick Cheney will open his home for a fundraiserfor the candidate.
Cheney, an influential if controversial figure in the Republican party, has yet to appear with Romney in public. And while the two are not known to be close confidants, the joint event is a signal that Cheney and his allies in the GOP are willing to lend their influence in the interest of getting Romney elected - and that Romney is willing to accept the help.
In 2008, Republican presidential candidate John McCain, who had a rocky relationship with Cheney, made an effort to keep his distance from him. But in doing so, he likely missed out on substantial fundraising opportunities. The Thursday event is expected to raise more than $2 million for Romney, according to the Washington Post.
Watch video of Romney's mixed reception at NAACP convention.
Meantime, President Obama is skipping the NAACP's annual national convention in Houston, Texas -- in contrast to Romney, who addressed the NAACP on Wednesday. The Obama administration, however, is not without representation: On Tuesday, Attorney General Eric Holder delivered remarks, and Vice President Joe Biden is slated to speak there today.
In his Wednesday speech, Romney jabbed the president for his absence, noting that "if I am elected president, and you invite me to next year's convention, I would count it as a privilege, and my answer will be yes."
Mr. Obama has not spoken at the NAACP conference since 2009 -- First Lady Michelle Obama spoke at the convention in 2010 -- but he will speak at the National Urban League's 2012 conference on July 25. According to the New York Times, the Obama administration cited a scheduling conflict as the reason for the president's absence this year.
During the 2008 election, Mr. Obama and his then-rival, John McCain, both delivered remarks at the NAACP convention.
Also on Thursday, governors from around the country will gather in Williamsburg, Va., for the annual National Governors Association meeting. Hosted by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, the three-day meeting will consist of a series of festivities, panels and other events.
"Economic growth and job creation is fundamental to our future and is the most important issue facing governors," said NGA Chair Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman, in a statement. "This meeting is an opportunity for leaders from around the country to work across party lines. I have enjoyed serving as chair for this year and look forward to continuing these valuable conversations with my colleagues."
And in Baltimore, Maryland, the Green Party will hold its nominating convention, where Jill Stein will become the party's official nominee for president. Stein, who beat out comedian Roseanne Barr in the nominating process, is from Massachusetts and has launched two unsuccessful bids for governor there, including against Mitt Romney in 2002.
