HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Republican Mitt Romney is raising money in Montana as he becomes the first major presidential candidate to visit the state this year.

Romney was in Hamilton Wednesday night for a fundraiser at the Daly Mansion. The cost to attend started at $2,500 per person, and went up to $25,000 or more for those dining with the former Massachusetts governor.

The event was sponsored by Charles Schwab, the brokerage house founder and a part-time Montana resident.

President Barack Obama has not campaigned in the state since 2008. The Democrat visited Montana several times then but still fell short of Republican John McCain, who did not campaign in the state.

Romney supporters say they are excited to have their candidate visit, and expect he will carry the red-leaning state in November.

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