Former U.S. Representative Jim Lightfoot, one of four Iowa Republican gubernatorial candidates, will speak in the Pioneer Room of the Memorial Union tonight at 6 p.m.

Steve Erickson, ISU coordinator for Lightfoot for Governor, said “meet-and-greet” and question-and-answer sessions will be part of the event. Several campus organizations have been invited, and Erickson said he hopes many students will attend.

At a statehouse news conference Wednesday, Lightfoot announced he had garnered the support of 55 Republican legislators.

Lightfoot said the endorsements are an indication of what he will be able to do if elected.

“We’re going to embark on a new era of cooperation with the Legislature,” Lightfoot said. “This is step one.”

With two-thirds of the Republicans in the Legislature supporting Lightfoot, including the leaders of both houses, he appears to be the front-runner, especially since he has led in recent polls.

“It’s clear to me that he has the best chance,” said House Majority Leader Brent Siegrist, R-Council Bluffs.

While the backing is an impressive display, it is uncertain how much benefit it will be to the Shenandoah Republican.

Historically, candidates have found it difficult to build on fellow politicians’ support in Iowa.

Lightfoot faces Lt. Gov. Joy Corning, Secretary of State Paul Pate and Des Moines cable television executive David Oman in the June 2 primary.

State Sen. Tom Vilsack and former Supreme Court justice Mark McCormick are seeking the Democratic nomination.

Also at Thursday’s event will be Gentry Collins, an ISU student who will soon announce his candidacy for the Iowa House of Representatives.

Collins, senior in political science, is running in District 62, a constituency that includes the greek system, Friley and Helser Halls, the Towers Residence Association and the south half of Story County.

Associated Press sources contributed to this story.