Trump to speak at Republican fundraiser in Hot Springs

Reality TV star, real estate mogul and presidential candidate Donald Trump will visit Hot Springs on July 17 to raise money for the Republican Party of Arkansas.

Trump will be the keynote speaker at the Reagan-Rockefeller Dinner at the Hot Springs Convention Center, the party's biggest fundraising event of the year.

"It's always an exciting night, but this year will definitely be interesting with such a dynamic speaker," party Chairman Doyle Webb said in a statement.

Trump last spoke in Arkansas in 2008 at an Economics Arkansas luncheon in Rogers. The group sold out the 500-seat, $100-per-ticket event.

Success is equal parts hard work, "stick-to-itiveness" and good luck, he said at the event.

"They say: 'There's no such thing as luck. You make your own luck,'" he said. "I say: 'Really? You were born to wealthy parents. You were born smart. You were born in this country.'"

Trump announced his candidacy last week, promising "to bring back our jobs, to bring back our manufacturing" and to be "a great cheerleader" if elected.

Webb predicted widespread interest in the event.

"Between the news of the speaker and the huge growth in support throughout the state, I expect this to be our best turnout ever," he said.

"Mr. Trump brings a very unique dimension to next year's democratic process as a private entrepreneur and business leader."

Trump is set to be the second Republican presidential candidate to announce a visit to Arkansas.

Former Gov. Mike Huckabee announced his candidacy in Hope on May 5. He also visited Jonesboro, Little Rock, El Dorado and Texarkana earlier this month.

"And we anticipate more candidates to come as the process accelerates," Webb said.

The day after Trump visits Hot Springs, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton will be the keynote speaker at the Democratic Party of Arkansas' annual fundraiser in North Little Rock.

The party's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner will be held at Verizon Arena.

Clinton, the wife of former President Bill Clinton, is a former Arkansas first lady, U.S. senator and U.S. secretary of state.

"As Arkansas' first lady, Hillary worked tirelessly to secure a better future for our children and families -- a responsibility that she continued as the first lady of the United States, a U.S. senator and as secretary of state," party Chairman Vince Insalaco said in a written statement.

"We are excited to welcome her to an Arkansas homecoming that celebrates both that progress and looks toward a hopeful future."

Both events are open to the public. Tickets to the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner are $200. Tickets to the Reagan-Rockefeller Dinner are $150.

Metro on 06/23/2015

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