Real estate developer, television personality and possible gubernatorial candidate Donald Trump will be in Syracuse next month as part of a fundraiser hosted by the Onondaga County Republican Committee.
Committee Chairman Tom Dadey says he hopes Trump's visit will provide a boost to local candidates, while raising money for local candidates and party operations.
"This is not Donald Trump coming to raise money for Donald Trump," Dadey said. "This is Donald Trump coming to raise money for the local Onondaga County Republican Committee, and we appreciate him doing that."
Trump has repeatedly said he will run against Gov. Andrew Cuomo this fall if the Republican Party unites behind him, but has yet to make a formal announcement. Trump also raised speculation and attention for flirting with a run for president against Barack Obama.
Dadey says Trump's visit follows a similar event held in Buffalo at the end of January.
"I'm very confident that we're going to have a big crowd with Mr. Trump," Dadey said. "There's going to be a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. We're hoping that he's going to energize some of those, because of who he is."
Trump is not the only Republican thinking of launching a run against Cuomo. According to multiple reports, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino has said he will make a decision about a possible campaign by the end of this month.
Tickets to see Trump on March 11 at 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in East Syracuse start at $75 each, with a VIP reception and photo op for $500.
