MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who ignited a political firestorm when he moved to eliminate collective-bargaining rights for teachers and public employees, will speak to Alabama Republicans on Friday.

Walker will be the keynote speaker at the Alabama Republican Party's 2013 summer fundraising dinner held Friday at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery.

Walker is one of numerous names being bantered around as a possible 2016 presidential candidate.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead said they are expecting about 900 people to attend the $150-per-person event.

Armistead said he believed Walker had much in common with Alabama Republicans and was pleased to welcome him to the state.

"He's a guy that doesn't mind making a stand and doesn't back down," Armistead said.

Armistead said the largest attendance they've had in a recent years was for Texas Gov. Rick Perry in 2011.

