Romney: Party man in Nebraska tonight

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/10/09/art.romney.gi.jpg caption="The former Massachusetts governor will be the keynote speaker Friday night at the Nebraska Republican Party's biennial Founders' Day event."]
(CNN) - Mitt Romney is lending a helping hand to Nebraska Republicans, the latest in a string of political favors as the 2008 presidential candidate surveys the 2012 landscape.

The former Massachusetts governor will be the keynote speaker Friday night at the Nebraska Republican Party's biennial Founders' Day event in Omaha.

Romney may make another run at the GOP presidential nomination next cycle, but an adviser says right now the former Massachusetts governor's concentrating on helping fellow Republicans in the next election.

"Gov. Romney is traveling the country, speaking to Republican organizations, raising money for candidates, and doing what he can to strengthen our party going into the 2010 elections," says Romney adviser Eric Fehrnstrom.

Romney has been a vocal critic of President Barack Obama, particularly his handling of foreign relations. At the recent Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island, Michigan, Romney said that the president is "above" the world stage and acting too much as a "neutral arbiter."

Last month, Romney also criticized Obama on national security matters at the Value Voters Summit, an annual gathering of social conservatives held in the nation's capitol.

Founders' Day is a significant fundraiser for the Nebraska GOP, and is held in appreciation of party activists and volunteers for their hard work to help candidates and the party.

All of the state's top elected Republican officials will also be at the dinner, including Gov. Dave Heineman, who is up for re-election next year. Party officials say the event is sold out, and will produce a record turnout.