Update 5:15 p.m -- Added statement from Microsoft spokesperson.

More details are coming in from the Mitt Romney campaign about his plans for his visit to Seattle on Thursday.

The Republican presidential frontrunner will discuss trade policy at Microsoft's Redmond campus, according to the Romney campaign. That event will be open to the media.

A Microsoft spokesperson said Romney's appearance -- he'll be speaking to the company's employee PAC -- should not be taken as a political endorsement.

"Our PAC has a long history of inviting speakers and thought leaders representing a wide range of political views to Microsoft to provide our employees with a forum for information and discussion about contemporary issues, and we have extended invitations to all major candidates running for president," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

As we reported Monday, Romney also will attend a private fundraiser at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Seattle sponsored by a group of Republican donors and business leaders.

Romney, the former Massachussetts governor, is the first Republican presidential candidate to make an appearance in Washington state in the run-up to the 2012 election. He also visited in July, but only attended a private Medina fundraiser.

After Seattle, Romney heads to Portland for another fundraiser.