Over the Labor Day weekend, the traditional start of the presidential election homestretch, the Florida chapter of conservative group Americans for Prosperity (AFP) will host an event in Orlando with a potential vice presidential candidate speaking.
AFP announced on Wednesday it would hold its “Defending the American Dream Summit” in Orlando on September 2 and 3.
“This year’s Defending the American Dream Summit in Orlando is going to be a remarkable event and will cap off a successful year of grassroots advocacy for the Florida chapter,” said Chris Hudson, AFP’s director in Florida. “This opportunity to come together will give activists from across the country a clear picture of our vision of how we will continue to fight for effective policy reforms in Florida and across the country.”
Scheduled speakers include Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa who is currently on presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s vice presidential shortlist. Ernst met with Trump earlier this week as buzz grows she could end up as his running mate. Trump is expected to announce his choice next week.
Another scheduled speaker is Tennessee Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn who has also garnered some buzz as a possible running mate for Trump though she is not appearing on the reported shortlists.
Businesswoman Carly Fiorina, who clashed with Trump during the Republican presidential primaries, is also scheduled to speak at the event. After she dropped out of the race after poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz tapped Fiorina as his running mate as he unsuccessfully tried to fend off Trump.
Other speakers scheduled to appear include Republican Sen. David Perdue, prominent British Conservative Daniel Hannan who played a prominent role in leading Great Britain out of the EU, incoming Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran and state Rep. Jose Oliva who is expected to lead the Florida House after the 2018 elections.
