The Massachusetts Republican Party announced Friday that it will kick off its Metrowest operation to help John McCain and Sarah Palin win this year's presidential election.

The GOP is holding a Saturday event at Harry's Diner in Westborough. Jean Inman, the chairwoman of McCain's Massachusetts effort, state Rep. Karyn Polito (R-Shrewsbury) and former state Rep. Reed Hillman, the GOP's 2006 lieutenant governor nominee, will be in attendance.

"The grassroots support for the McCain-Palin ticket in Massachusetts is overwhelming," said Barney Keller, the party's spokesman. "We've had to open extra offices just to keep up with the flood of people who want real reform in Washington."

The Massachusetts GOP is opening offices in Plymouth and Springfield.

A Republican has not carried Massachusetts in the presidential since 1984 when Ronald Reagan carried the state in his re-election bid.