Palin to fundraise in Newport

Want to meet vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin?

It’ll cost $1,000, and $2,300 to get a photo with the Alaskan governor.

Area Republicans are abuzz that Palin will visit Newport Beach this month to raise money for the presidential campaign.

Palin is scheduled to appear at the fundraiser Sept. 25 at the Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., but donors will be asked to arrive earlier to check in with security.

“People are very excited about it,” said Assemblyman Van Tran, one of presidential candidate John McCain’s biggest area boosters. “I just got a call from one of the organizers earlier today and she said the response has been tremendous.”

Palin has lent the presidential campaign a significant jolt, Tran said.

“Her selection has energized the base and the Republican electorate,” Tran said. “She’s a breath of fresh air.”

For more information or to buy a ticket, call John Clarey at (949) 468-5757.