Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann and Texas governor Rick Perry are set to face off in a September speaking engagement at Liberty University, the Christian school founded by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell.
Both Ms. Bachmann and Mr. Perry will deliver speeches at the school, the first such meeting between the Republican leaders.
Mr. Perry, who is expected to announce his decision regarding the 2012 race for the Republican presidential nomination, continues to float the possibility of entering the race.
The Texas Republican has increased his nation profile through a series of high-profile speeches. Mr. Perry is also slated to speak in October in New Hampshire, the first in the nation primary state.
Meanwhile, Ms. Bachmann, who launched her bid for the nomination last month, has surged in series of recently released polls, all of which show support for the Minnesota Republican increasing significantly. A Des Moines Register poll released last month shows the Minnesota congresswoman tied with former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and a poll out of New Hampshire released earlier this week shows support for her campaign tripling.
The speech is the latest sign Mr. Perry is likely to enter the 2012 race. The Texas governor is set to announce his decision in the coming weeks, according to aides.
