Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean will attend a dinner Monday night in Tampa hosted by backers of both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to raise money and seek reconciliation.

Long-time Tampa Democratic fundraiser Bill McBride, one of Clinton’s leading local backers, and Obama stalwart Frank Sanchez will co-host the $1,000-per-person event, proceeds to benefit the DNC.

But not everyone attending is paying, and raising money isn’t the sole purpose of the dinner, said Clinton backer Ana Cruz, who’ll be attending. The main purpose is to try to get Democrats on the same page after the bitter primary struggle.

The subject of Florida’s banned national convention delegates also is likely to come up.

The event kicks off a big political week in Florida, which essentially will begin the general election contest for the state.

On Wednesday, Barack Obama will make his return to Florida after a long absence, holding a rally at the St. Pete Times Forum to kick off a three-day tour of the state. On Monday, John McCain will speak in Miami on policy toward Cuba, and Obama will follow him with a speech to the Cuban American National Foundation Friday.

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