It’s important, when seeking to run for a statewide office like Governor, to build up goodwill with various local party officials.

One way of doing this is to attend their events.

But there’s no better way to do this than to not merely attend such events but to speak at them to and to help local party officials raise money.

It’s a lesson Baron has apparently already learned:

The 3rd District Democratic Central Committee will host its annual dinner April 25 at Eagle Glen in Columbia City. Rep. Baron Hill, D-9th, will serve as the keynote speaker for the event. It will also feature Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez.

Tickets are $30 and the cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner an hour later. Interested people should call Carmen Darland at 260-237-1199 for more information.

The 3rd Congressional District covers Allen, DeKalb, Noble, Steuben, Elkhart, LaGrange, Kosciusko and Whitley counties.

That’s two potential 2012 gubernatorial candidates (Hill and Dominguez) keynoting at one event, an event very far from Baron’s home turf. Columbia City, in super-Republican Whitley County, isn’t exactly Democrat-friendly territory.

Baron must not be too worried about his 2010 challengers in the 9th District if he’s already travelling the state to stock up on favors and goodwill for a gubernatorial campaign in 2012.