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 yesterday.

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 Ka'auwai, the state GOP chairman, said he hopes to draw 1,500 guests.

"It's huge for the party," Ka'auwai said. "It just shows the credibility of what we're doing here in Hawai'i. He's excited to come out."

Rove could not be reached for comment late yesterday.

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.

Willes Lee, a former state GOP chairman, said Rove could appeal to local conservatives who identify with the national "tea party" movement.

"Rove will energize some of the tea party members who haven't come to some of the Republican events in the past," Lee said.

Some Republicans worry privately, however, that hosting the winter meeting and inviting Rove — a polarizing figure to many independents and Democrats — may make it easier for local Democrats to brand local Republican candidates as too conservative for Hawai'i voters.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, a Republican candidate for governor who will likely set the tone for the party's message next year, is generally considered more conservative than Lingle, particularly on social issues.

"It's good news for the Democrats because it removes any doubt about whether Duke Aiona is going to run to the right or to the middle," said Brian Schatz, chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i.

"It's surprising to me that the Republicans would choose one of the most extreme political figures in recent memory as their guest speaker," Schatz said.

Rove has been a Fox News contributor and Wall Street Journal and Newsweek columnist since he left the Bush administration in August 2007.

Rove has been described as the architect of Bush's 2000 and 2004 election victories. He also had, as senior adviser and deputy chief of staff to the president, a significant influence on Bush administration policies.

His book on his experience in the White House, "Courage and Consequence," is expected in March.