Gov. Nathan Deal will deliver the keynote address during the 9th Congressional District banquet Friday night at the Lakeview Center in Dawsonville.

Andrew Turnage, chairman of the district GOP, said the district is fortunate the banquet falls in line with the close of the 2013 state legislative session, which Deal is expected to highlight in his remarks.

"We are honored to have a governor in his own district deliver his message," Turnage said.

With U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss' recent decision not to seek a third term next year, Congressmen Paul Broun, Phil Gingrey, Jack Kingston and Tom Price have announced their candidacy for the post. All four have confirmed they will attend the banquet.

"Voters will literally be able to sit at the table and talk to the congressmen about their views," Turnage said. "This is a critical seat in deciding who Georgians choose to represent us."

Clint Bearden, immediate past chair of the Dawson County GOP, said the local party is honored to play host to the banquet and the convention that follows Saturday morning.

"I'm really thankful to the 9th District Republican Party committee for selecting Dawson County and for allowing us to showcase our area of north Georgia to the 500 delegates, alternates and guests that will be in attendance," he said.

"With this convention, we're able to showcase our Dawson County Republican Party and our county to these leaders in our state and federal government."

The banquet is a district fundraiser, with proceeds supporting local conservative campaigns in addition to national Republican candidates.

As of Tuesday afternoon, fewer than 50 tickets remained for the banquet.

Tickets are available at www.gagop9.org. Prices are $40 for individuals, $75 per couple or $400 for a table.

Ninth District Republicans will also convene at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Lakeview Center for the annual district convention, which features Congressmen Doug Collins as keynote speaker.