PALMYRA -- Jim Spraggins's phone at the Moosehead Trail Trading Post started ringing off the hook Thursday.

"We usually don't get that type of excitement in the area," Spraggins said.

The reason is tomorrow's special guest: Alaska's "first dude," Todd Palin, will stop by for handshakes, talk and food at 2 p.m. He's campaigning on behalf of his wife, Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee.

The McCain campaign is hoping to pick up at least one of Maine's four electoral votes, because the state gives two votes to the statewide winner and one apiece among the two Congressional districts. The second Congressional district includes the upper two-thirds of the state and includes more rural voting areas that the McCain campaign thinks are more sympathetic to the Republican ticket.

The barbecue and social event in Palmyra is open to the public and will probably last an hour or two, said Spraggins, who said he's a big supporter of the McCain-Palin ticket.

Spraggins said his trading post in Palmyra was likely chosen because of Todd Palin's appeal as an outdoorsman and Rep. Josh Tardy, R-Newport, suggested the location. Tardy is also vice chair of McCain's Maine presidential campaign.

"I'd like to talk to him and shake his hand; it's kind of exciting to be involved in a presidential campaign, to have that opportunity," Spraggins said.

Palin is scheduled for a similar visit in Presque Isle on Sunday.