Fox's Rove Reportedly Speaking At Donor Retreat With Romney

Karl RoveThe Washington Post reports that Fox News political analyst Karl Rove is scheduled to attend a donor retreat for likely Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney along with “more than 100 top fundraisers”:

The presumptive nominee and his senior advisers and aides are hosting two days of policy sessions and campaign strategy discussions at a Deer Valley resort for more than 100 top fundraisers and their spouses. Those who raised more than $100,000 are expected to attend.

More than a dozen Republican heavy-hitters are scheduled to join the private retreat as special guests. According to a fundraiser who is attending, guests include some GOP stars believed to be contenders to be Romney's vice presidential running mate: Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.), Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Sen. John Thune (S.D.).

Bush strategist Karl Rove, who helps run American Crossroads, the well-funded GOP super PAC, is planning to speak at the retreat, said the fundraiser, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the event. Rove's appearance could raise questions because of campaign finance laws barring any coordination between super PACs and actual campaigns.

Rove has used his Fox News platform to falsely attack President Obama while also promoting his anti-Obama super PAC. In addition to employing Rove, Fox has also done a lot to promote American Crossroads and its Republican work.

According to the Post, donors at the event “will be briefed on campaign strategy and spend considerable time planning ways to build on the Romney campaign's initial general election fundraising success.”

Rove's participation in an event like this would further blur the lines between Fox News and the organized political effort to defeat President Obama this year.

The Post also reports that Fox News political contributors Bill Kristol and Fred Barnes are slated to attend the retreat, along with CNN contributor Mary Matalin.