State Republican Chairman Luke Esser just told us that John McCain will be in Seattle tomorrow.

That's surprising for a couple of reasons. McCain's campaign had said he wouldn't make it to the state before Saturday's caucus, but more likely would be here some time before the Feb. 19 primary. Also, with Mitt Romney dropping out today, there isn't much of a race left.

Of course, with Romney out, Mike Huckabee's campaign may see a chance to do better in Washington state this Saturday.

Representatives of both McCain's and Huckabee's campaigns in Washington state have told me that they thought Romney was the best organized in Washington state.

MORE: Times reporter Ralph Thomas just talked with McCain spokesman Will Nichols. Why the sudden change:

“It's the nature of things right now. It’s not a daily change, it’s an hourly change."

McCain will appear at the Westin around 5:30 p.m. There are not further details yet, but the campaign says there will be at least some event open to the public.