The Rhode Island Republican Party plans to feature a nationally-known GOP leader at a breakfast fundraiser later in the month.

It is none other than Ken McKay, former Governor Carcieri top aide turned executive director of the Republican National Committee. McKay has kept a relatively low profile since assuming the executive director role in the spring.

According to the invitation, he is the "special guest" for the Saturday, Aug. 22, event at the East Greenwich Yacht Club. The $250-a-head breakfast begins at 8 a.m., while the $30-per-person general program begins at 9 a.m.

The fundraiser comes at a good time for the state party, which has consistently struggled to raise funds.

As of June 30, the organization had $10,105.37 in the bank, according to its second-quarter filing with the state Board of Elections. Over the three-month period that began April 1, the party raised just over $16,000, but basically broke even over the quarter, spending almost the same amount.

On the other side of the political aisle, the Rhode Island Democratic Party had more than $20,000 on hand at the end of the quarter, according to its filing with the Board of Elections. The party, however, did not report any new contributions between April 1 and June 30, while spending nearly $38,000.