McCain To Headline Upcoming Dinner With Republican Governors

John McCain will headline a big upcoming dinner for the Republican Governors Association later this month in another sign that party leaders are rallying in support of his White House bid.

The Arizona senator will speak at the RGA's Statesman and Cabinet Dinner at the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC, on Feb. 23, according to a letter the RGA sent members of its finance committee Wednesday. The letter was sent on the same day the top three Republicans in the House publicly endorsed McCain.

In tapping the Arizona senator for the dinner, the RGA is also turning its back on a former member: former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who remains in the presidential race.

The party's 22 Republican governors could prove a critical support structure for McCain's presidential run because they predominantly represent more conservative, largely Republican states.

"We’re very excited about this development and I think it’s great news. I look forward to seeing those of you who are Statesmen and Cabinet members at the dinner," RGA Executive Director Nick Ayers wrote in the letter. "It should be an informative and exciting evening."

Contacted about the letter, RGA spokesman Chris Schrimpf said, "It’s an honor to have one of the great leaders of the Republican Party as the keynote speaker at one of our most important events. Our Governors and members are excited to hear from Senator McCain."