COEUR d'ALENE - A former U.S. Congressman and candidate for president will be the guest speaker at this year's Lincoln Day Dinner on Feb. 27.

Duncan Hunter, who campaigned unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for president in 2008 and served 14 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 2009, will join the state's elected officials at the dinner at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year," said Brad Corkill, chairman of the Kootenai County Republicans.

Duncan, 61, represented California districts 45 and 52, the San Diego area, and served as chairman of the Committee on Armed Services from 2003 to 2007. He was in the U.S. Army Airborne in the late 1960s and early 1970s before becoming an attorney in private practice.

"He's well known," said Ruthie Johnson, state committee woman for Kootenai County. "He is highly respected. People are excited about him coming."

The annual dinner comes closer to the actual occasion of Lincoln's birthday this year. Last year it was delayed until late March, a date chosen by the state party, Corkill said.

Among the officials expected are Gov. Butch Otter, Lt. Gov. Brad Little and top state officials including Secretary of State Ben Ysursa, Controller Donna Jones, Treasurer Ron Crane and Superintendent of Public Education Tom Luna.

Idaho's U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch along with elected state Republican representatives and senators are also expected.

The cost for the dinner is $50, with table sponsorships for eight people $800 or half-tables for $400.

The program begins at 6 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Corkill at 682-3253 or Johnson at 772-5024.