House and Senate Republicans have tapped Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) to headline their annual fundraising dinner in June.

This is the first major national fundraising appearance for Palin, who gained national recognition as Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) running mate in the 2008 presidential race.

“Last fall, she electrified and energized crowds across the country, and we expect she will generate a similar amount of enthusiasm at this spring’s dinner,— National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (Texas) said in a statement.

Palin proved to be popular with the party’s base last fall, attracting super-sized crowds across the country. She is also a proven fundraiser for Republicans — a major plus for the GOP committees as they head into the 2010 cycle out of power in Congress and without a president from their own party to headline the annual dinner.

“On behalf of Congressional Republicans, it is a pleasure to announce one of the brightest rising stars in the Republican Party, Sarah Palin, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Senate-House dinner,— said National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (Texas).

The dinner is scheduled for June 8 at the Washington Convention Center.