Waashington ? More Republicans are taking prominent roles in a series of dinners planned the night before President-elect Barack Obama’ inauguration as a nod toward bipartisanship in government.

The three dinners are scheduled at different locations in Washington next Monday night.

Participating in the dinners will be Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and former Sens. John Warner of Virginia and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska.

To be honored are Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, also a Republican, and Vice President-elect Joe Biden, a Democrat.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee said Thursday they are being honored for bipartisan cooperation during a lifetime of public service.