Karl Rove, who was political strategist and policy adviser for former President George Bush, is scheduled to be the keynote speaker for the Lucas County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner on Jan. 21.

Republican Chairman Jon Stainbrook announced that Mr. Rove would headline the party's biggest annual event, which will be at Gladieux Meadows, 4480 Heatherdowns Blvd. Ticket prices are still being determined.

Mr. Rove on Friday confirmed to The Blade that he had been invited and was planning to attend.

"I'm really excited about the ticket that the Republicans are pulling together in Ohio. It seems to be a top quality ticket from top to bottom and I was flattered to be asked to come to Toledo," Mr. Rove said.

He became known as the "architect" of President Bush's 2000 and 2004 elections, and served as senior adviser and deputy chief of staff to the President. Since leaving the White House in 2007, Mr. Rove has been a columnist for Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal and is a frequent guest on Fox News.

Mr. Stainbrook said Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rob Portman helped line up the speaker for the event.

"Karl Rove is a national figure. The Lincoln Day Dinner is a coming together to celebrate what it means to be a Republican, and who better to get than someone of Karl Rove's stature to come in and speak to the faithful," Mr. Stainbrook said.

First Published December 18, 2009, 9:36 p.m.