Romney's O.C. Visit in Newport Expected to Draw Protestors, Donors

Republican presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney is expected to draw supporters and protestors alike during a fundraising visit to Orange County Friday.

The Atlas Political Action Committee 6 p.m. fundraiser at Newport Beach’s Balboa Bay Club comes a day after Romney landed an endorsement from conservative icon Nancy Reagan.

Former first lady Nancy Reagan on Thursday endorsed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for president, saying her late husband, President Ronald Reagan, "would have liked Governor Romney's business background and his strong principles, and I have to say I do, too."

Romney is scheduled to speak at a cocktail reception at the Balboa Bay Club, with tickets priced at $1,000 and $2,500.

A group of activists have threatened to dress up as billionaires trying to "crash" Romney's party to protest his candidacy.

“We want to draw attention to the dangers of unchecked Wall Street power to the 99 percent, and Romney, with his plans to cut capital gains tax and privatize Social Security, is a perfect target,” said organizer Christian Larsen, 29, in a statement.

Reagan met Thursday at her Bel Air home with Romney and his wife, Ann.

"I believe Mitt Romney has the experience and leadership skills that our country so desperately needs, and I look forward to seeing him elected president in November," she said during the visit.

Following the meeting with Reagan, Romney attended a $50,000-per-couple campaign fundraiser at the nearby Beverly Crest mansion of billionaire Anthony Pritzker, Fox11 reported.

The fundraiser was closed to reporters, as are most fundraisers for non- incumbent presidential candidates.

—City News Service contributed to this report.