GOP leaders gather in Arizona, ready to embrace Romney

Scottsdale, Arizona (CNN) -- Not too long ago, it seemed this week's meeting of the Republican National Committee in Arizona might be consumed with squabbles about delegate math and anxious hand-wringing over the long and acrimonious presidential primary fight.

Instead, it's looking more and more like a Mitt Romney pep rally in the making.

With Romney now on a sure path to the nomination thanks to the departure of his top rival, Rick Santorum, GOP leaders from every state will begin gathering Thursday at a posh Scottsdale resort to plot out general election strategy with the former Massachusetts governor as their standard-bearer.

Romney will address the meeting of state Republican Party chairmen at a Friday luncheon that is sure to be the event's biggest draw.