[img_assist|nid=2569|title=Former Gov. Mitt Romney|desc=Getty Images Photo |link=none|align=left|width=175|height=144]WASHINGTON – Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is throwing his chips in for U.S. Rep. Jon Porter (R-Henderson), who is facing the toughest re-election bid of his career.

Romney hosted a Thursday lunchtime fundraiser for Porter at a private residence in Boulder City with 25 people in attendance. The Porter campaign did not specify how much money the event raised for the campaign’s coffers.

Earlier in the day, Romney led a grassroots rally for about 200 campaign volunteers. The former GOP presidential candidate was joined by several notable Nevada Republicans including Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, state Sen. Warren Hardy, Assemblyman Joe Hardy, and Boulder City Mayor Roger Tobler.

Porter wasn’t in attendance for either event. The third-term Republican unexpectedly found himself in Washington, D.C. where the U.S. House is working overtime to pass a financial rescue package.

Porter is embroiled in a battle with Democrat Dina Titus, the minority leader in the state Senate who narrowly failed in a 2006 bid for the governor’s seat. The race is widely seen as one of the most competitive in the country, and in recent weeks both campaigns have released internal polls showing them ahead.

Both national parties have pledged to spend money in the contest, with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee already unleashing several television advertisements painting Porter as tied to special interests.

Romney brings with him a built-in constituency in the Silver State. The Massachusetts Republican was the victor in the state’s Jan. 19 GOP caucus.