U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye raised more than $1 million at a fundraiser last week at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, according to his campaign, which appears to be a record take for a local political campaign at a single event.

Inouye's fundraiser rivals the $1.3 million raised last August by Hawai'i-born Barack Obama at an exclusive event for his presidential campaign at The Kahala Hotel & Resort.

"We're very humbled and gratified by the kind of response that we got," said Linda Chu Takayama, Inouye's campaign manager.

Inouye, 84, is seeking his ninth six-year term in the Senate in 2010. The Hawai'i Democrat is considered an icon in Island politics, and no Republican challenger has emerged.

"It is disappointing that Sen. Inouye found enough time last week to have exclusive dinners with special-interest groups, lobbyist and labor leaders to raise nearly a million dollars for his campaign," Jonah Ka'auwai, the state GOP chairman, said in a statement. "Sen. Inouye could not find the time to address important issues to the citizens of Hawai'i like the federal government's takeover of health care.

"It is time our legislators begin listening to the everyday citizens that are hurting in Hawai'i because of reckless Democrat proposals."

With several major political campaigns next year, candidates have started fundraising early to gain tactical and financial advantages. Candidates, along with competing with each other for donors, have the added challenge of raising money during a recession.

Brian Schatz, chairman of the Democratic Party here, said high-profile candidates such as Inouye — and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in the Democratic primary for governor — have attracted donors despite the poor economy.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, a Republican candidate for governor, also has been successful at raising money for his campaign over the past two years.

Other candidates may have a more difficult time.

"I think the number of candidates is one concern. But the bigger challenge is the overall economic environment," Schatz said. "People who are accustomed to giving large contributions are now giving smaller contributions, and many of the smaller contributors aren't able to give at all."

Majority Democrats will likely have highly competitive primaries for governor, lieutenant governor and the U.S. House next year, while Republicans may be able to avoid expensive primaries and save their money for the general election.

Inouye is expected to help raise money for other Democrats in addition to his re-election campaign. The senator had $1.9 million available for his campaign at the end of June, according to his federal campaign finance report.

Takayama said about 350 people attended Inouye's fundraiser, an evening reception last Wednesday at the Royal Hawaiian's Monarch Room. The senator hosted the event with his wife, Irene. The theme was "Farm to Table," and the event featured food from local farms.