John Andrews, who leads the Centennial Institute think tank at the Lakewood college, said the school has a signed contract for the event and is prepared to deal with any publicity — positive or negative — that the conservative star might bring with her.

“Her staff has told us to expect an interesting ride, in terms of static,” Andrews said. “We know what’s down that road, and we are eager to go there.”

On Feb. 4, the Sharon K. Pacheco Foundation announced that Palin would be the featured speaker at a May 2 benefit in Glendale for military families but canceled the event less than 48 hours later, blaming threats and negative feedback.

[…]

Andrews said the Tea Party icon will not receive a speaking fee for her appearance at CCU. Palin’s fee sometimes exceeds $100,000, the Washington Speaker’s Bureau said last month.

Andrews said he doesn’t think security concerns derailed the Pacheco Foundation event and that Colorado came off “not looking great” because of a “perception that someone important could be chased away.

“Certainly, there is a warm welcome for her on our campus,” Andrews said.

[…]

All ticket proceeds from Palin’s Lakewood appearance will support the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a national nonprofit group benefiting the families of fallen soldiers, Andrews said.

Andrews said the fact that Palin’s eldest son is a veteran made her a great choice for the event. Track Palin served in Iraq in 2008-2009.

[More]

Cross-posted from Texas for Sarah Palin

– JP