By Patrick Crowley
Enquirer staff writer

Democratic state senators are heading to Northern Kentucky this weekend to help a candidate join their ranks.

But recent hip-replacement surgery will prevent Lt. Gov. Steve Pence from attending a fund-raiser for a Republican statehouse candidate in Northern Kentucky.

Pence had planned on attending one tonight for Mark Hayden, a Wilder Republican running in Campbell County's 67th House District. Hayden is running against Democrat Dennis Keene, who is also from Wilder.

"Steve really wanted to be here to show how important my campaign is viewed by (Gov. Ernie Fletcher) and his administration," Hayden said. "It's certainly understandable that he needed to cancel. He remains a key supporter."

The fund-raiser will be at the Erlanger home of lawyer Kevin Murphy.

Westwood's opponent, Democrat Kathy Groob, will get a boost from Frankfort Democrats today and Saturday.

Senate Democratic Leader Ed Worley and Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Bill Garmer will join other senators at a fund-raiser tonight for Groob, a member of Fort Mitchell city council.

The event will be at the Crescent Springs home of Alice Sparks and is expected to raise $40,000.

"Republicans and Democrats alike are interested in her ideas and vision for Northern Kentucky," Garmer said. "She's a bold thinker who offers new solutions for the many problems facing Kentucky."

Following the gathering at Sparks' home, Groob's campaign will hold a second Groobin' on Main political gathering in Covington's Mainstrasse Village. It begins at 8:30 p.m. at Chez Nora and moves to Pachinko's at 10 p.m.

Saturday the senators will hold a political retreat at the Fort Mitchell Country Club.

Worley said there is "considerable interest" in Groob's candidacy among the state's top Democrats. "She has a legion of excited volunteers, including a number of young people," Worley said.

E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com