President Donald Trump is set to headline the second day of a televised GOP midterm convention in Dallas next week, with Vice President JD Vance also scheduled to address Republicans. The two-day event, which will be held inside the American Airlines Center, marks the first midterm convention put on by a major party in more than four decades, as reported by POLITICO.

But a POLITICO survey of more than 70 GOP candidates and members revealed that most either do not plan to attend or are still weighing whether to go. Dozens more declined to share their plans. The 45 Republicans who replied cited a variety of reasons for skipping, including prior obligations, personal conflicts, and qualms about the five-figure-minimum fees that party officials want attending lawmakers to pay.

Some Republicans in tough races are steering clear of the gathering, which has been called "Trump-a-palooza" in some GOP circles, as they face hesitation about associating with the president so close to the election, according to POLITICO.

Rep. Tom Barrett, who is facing a tough campaign to keep his central Michigan seat, said, "I just felt I'd be more useful in my district." He added, "I travel a lot for this job and if I can be back home and see my family and do the job back home as well, then that's sort of what I lean toward doing." Asked if the president's remarks might cause him problems back home, Barrett said, "I can't control what the president's going to say at the convention, but I can control where I'm at, what I'm doing."

Other Republicans in key races said they weren't committing to attend. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) said, "I'm going to be in my district," while Rep. Rob Bresnahan ) said, "I'm not sure yet." Rep. Jeff Hurd ) isn't planning to go, according to people granted anonymity to describe his decision. Rep. Nick LaLota ) said he plans to visit colleges with his daughter.

The cost of attendance is a recurring factor. The event has a $25,000 entrance fee, and an NRCC memo obtained by POLITICO details that the donation gives a member one hotel room, two tickets to a welcome reception and the convention itself, with higher tiers up to $100,000 offering more. Rep. Tim Burchett ) cited the price tag in explaining why he is still "not sure" whether he'd attend, saying, "It's $25,000, apparently — I just got a bill." One House Republican cited the $25,000 minimum donation, saying, "I didn't want to go anyways. That made it easier."

Other members cited scheduling conflicts. Ohio Rep. Bob Latta said he had events back in his district, and Virginia Rep. Morgan Griffith said he preferred to be home campaigning. "I should be safe. But no member of Congress from the 9th Congressional District of Virginia has left voluntarily since 1952," Griffith said, as reported by POLITICO.

Reps. Chris Smith and Andrew Garbarino will remain in their districts for Sept. 11 events, and House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole will go dove hunting instead of attending, according to The Daily Beast. The convention also coincides with the NFL season's first two games.

A House Republican not attending, granted anonymity, called the event "a waste of time" and said planning has been "a mess," as carried by both The Daily Beast and POLITICO. Other Republicans are concerned that Trump will use his headline appearance to talk about personal matters rather than affordability concerns facing Americans, according to The Daily Beast, which also reported that rising gas and food prices are among voter concerns that could affect GOP chances in the midterms.

Despite the reported lack of enthusiasm among many rank-and-file members, most top House and Senate GOP leaders are expected to attend, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) will also be in attendance, and former Rep. Mike Rogers and Sen. Jon Husted will both attend, according to their campaigns. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) is also planning to be there, as reported by POLITICO.

Speaker Johnson said he has been "promoting this everywhere" and expects high attendance, according to both outlets. RNC national press secretary Natalie Baldassarre said in a statement that "the outreach and enthusiasm to attend, participate, and speak at this historic midterm convention has been incredible."