WASHINGTON--Karl Rove headlines an Illinois GOP fund-raising lunch Tuesday in Chicago, and the Tammy Duckworth Democratic House campaign is trying to raise money off the event, a classic political fund-raising turn.

Rove has become a more powerful force in politics because of a SuperPac he is associated with--Crossroads GPS. He speaks at the Chicago Club, 81 E. Van Buren.

Duckworth, running in the 8th congressional district, is locked in a primary battle with Raja Krishnamoorthi. The winner will take on Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) in a race that has been targeted by the Democrats for a turnover.

Josh Levin, Duckworth's campaign manager said in an e-mail appeal, "Karl Rove is coming to town. He's headlining a fundraiser tomorrow for the Illinois Republican Party. Tickets will start at $2,500 and the event is expected to raise nearly half a million dollars--all to benefit Illinois Republicans in tough races, including Joe Walsh.

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