Mitt Romney to appear in Kentucky Nov. 17 for fundraiser in Lexington

Republican candidate for president Mitt Romney will make his first appearance in Kentucky of the 2012 election cycle on Nov. 17 to raise money for his bid for the GOP nomination for president.

Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, will appear at an evening reception at the Kentucky Aviation Museum in Lexington hosted by coal company owner Joe Craft and Republican fundraiser Kelly Knight, according to a save-the-date card for the event.

Individuals who raise at least $10,000 for Romney’s campaign qualify for a “host committee reception” with the candidate. Those who give the federal maximum of $2,500 — or $5,000 for a couple — get their picture taken with Romney at a “VIP photo reception.” And those who give $1,000 — or $2,000 per couple — can attend the general reception.

Craft has been president and CEO of Alliance Resource Partners and is a Hazard native.

Earlier this summer, Craft and Knight hosted a reception with former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who eventually dropped out of the GOP presidential race in August after a poor showing in the Iowa straw poll.