Karl Rove, a senior advisor and top political strategist to former President George W. Bush, is scheduled to appear at the state GOP’s annual Lincoln Day dinner in February, local Republicans said Wednesday.

Rove’s appearance at the dinner could be a financial coup for Republicans, who have done well in fundraising for top-tier campaigns for governor and Congress but have struggled as a party to generate money that could help state House and Senate candidates.
Tickets to the Feb. 26 event at the Hilton Hawaiian Village are $125. Jonah Kaçauwai, the state GOP chairman, said he hopes to draw 1,500 guests.
“It’s huge for the party,” Kaçauwai said. “It just shows the credibility of what we’re doing here in Hawaiçi. He’s excited to come out.”
Rove could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
The Lincoln Day dinner is the party’s traditional annual fundraising event, although Gov. Linda Lingle’s annual Governor’s Ball — which began after Lingle took office — has often been more lucrative.
Lingle suggested that state party officials approach Rove about the appearance, sources said.
Local Republicans are also hosting the winter meeting of the Republican National Committee in January, which will attract Republican activists from across the nation.