Photo: wdcpix.com

Photo: wdcpix.com

Mike Huckabee is invading Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s turf. The former Arkansas governor and likely 2012 presidential candidate will be visiting Minnesota in April to headline a fundraising dinner for local religious right outfit the Minnesota Family Council.

The event’s location and start time haven’t been released yet, but according to an MFC announcement, the dinner will be held on April 26.

Pawlenty, another likely 2012 candidate for president, has long had a close relationship with the Minnesota Family Council, sharing the group’s push to block rights, such as a stronger anti-bullying bill. for LGBT Minnesotans. Pawlenty vetoed that bill last year at the Family Council’s urging. Pawlenty has also directed legislators to negotiate comprehensive sex education standards with the Family Council, which opposes teaching about contraception and birth control in schools.

Huckabee, a leader in the national religious right, once said, “I hope we answer the alarm clock and take this nation back for Christ.”

Meanwhile, Pawlenty continues a road trip of his own. Tonight, he’s in North Carolina giving the keynote speech at the Institute for Emerging Issues’ annual forum.