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Few paid attention when the event was announced months ago, but a Monday evening fundraiser for Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn (D) is suddenly the hottest ticket in Chicago. That's because Quinn may be just days away from assuming the governorship, following rumors that Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D-Ill.) may be on his way out, voluntarily or involuntarily. Blagojevich is said to be considering his political future after being charged with fraud and corruption, while the Illinois state legislature prepares for possible impeachment hearings and Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) is urging the state Supreme Court to give Blagojevich the boot.That makes Quinn a hot commodity as the next in line to the governor's mansion. And, according to a source involved in the fundraiser, the once-sleepy event has turned into a must-attend. Quinn is holding the shindig at Fulton's on the River, an upscale steak and seafood joint with views of downtown Chicago. The suggested donation is $100, but Quinn is likely going to pull in a lot more money than that. Any funds raised Monday night will be available for use if Quinn decides to run for governor in 2010, which many believe he will. He could face an expensive primary against any of a number of fellow statewide office-holders, including Madigan, Comptroller Dan Hynes and Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. There's no sinister reason for the fundraiser, according to the source. The event was planned well before U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald decided to arrest and charge Blagojevich, who is out on bail.
Bob Reed, the communications director for Quinn's office, called The Hill to note the fundraiser has been turned into a "holiday reception." The change was decided on in the past few days and Reed noted Quinn "didn't feel it was appropriate" to hold a fundraiser with so much uncertainty surrounding the governor. No money will be collected at the event, according to Reed. This story was updated at 6:01 p.m. |
