The keynote speaker will be former Virginia Gov. and U.S. Sen. George Allen Jr., who is on the short list for selection as the Republican candidate for vice president.

He will attend as a surrogate campaign speaker for Republican Presidential candidate Sen. John McCain.

April is traditionally a time for political dinners in Maryland, and Washington County's GOP dinner is a week ahead of Frederick County's.

Philip Baker-Shenk, a member of the Washington County Republican Central Committee, said Frederick residents are invited to attend. The dinners are spaced out so people can go to dinners in neighboring counties as well, he said.

"We consider it a Western Maryland regional event, and especially Frederick County folk are warmly welcomed to head west," Baker-Shenk said.

The program begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Fountain Head Country Club, north of Hagerstown at 13316 Fountain Head Road.

According to the committee, Allen distinguished himself in the Senate as a hardworking defender of the sanctity of life, a balanced budget, the Second Amendment, tax cuts, liberty -- domestically and abroad, and a more efficient government.

Allen was a loyal ally of McCain's in working to constrain federal government spending and for a line-item veto, the committee said in a statement.

"Gov. Allen has a distinguished record in Richmond as well as on Capitol Hill," Baker-Shenk said. "His years of public service distinguish him as having core conservative values."

Allen is discussed as a potential running mate for McCain, but Baker-Shenk doubts a final decision will be made until just before the national convention in September.

Frederick County's Republican Central Committee will hold its annual Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner on April 23 at Dutch's Daughter Restaurant.

Retired Navy Capt. Mike Cronin, a friend of McCain, will speak.

A Frederick County Democratic Party Jefferson -Jackson Day Dinner will be held May 2.

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.