Laura Ricketts hosts First Lady while father funds anti-Obama ad campaign
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CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
First Lady Michelle Obama was in town Thursday raising more money for her husband's re-election campaign.
Security was tight as The First Lady came and went from a relatively small, but big dollar fundraiser in Lincoln Park.
Earlier, outside Harpo Studios on the Near West Side, more than 500 waited for her at another event, standing in a line that stretched west on Washington, north up Aberdeen, then east down Randolph. Even some who had seen Mrs. Obama many times before said they wanted to contribute to the campaign.
The final event on her calendar was a private gathering at the North Side home of Chicago's wealthiest gay rights activists, Fred Evchaner, whose personal fortune has been estimated at a half-billion dollars.
Other gay and lesbian activists were there, too, including Laura Ricketts, of the billionaire family that owns the Chicago Cubs. Ironically, as she helped the President's re-election campaign, her father, billionaire Joe Ricketts, launched a multi-million dollar TV ad campaign against the president. One spot features women who now regret voting for Obama in 2008.
"But remember the money's not just TV. It's also about getting people out on the ground, to go door to door to talk to people, convene meetings in their town," explains Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer.
Joe Ricketts is spending at least $10 million on that independent expendature campaign to defeat Obama, which will include TV, "Get out the vote" money, door-to-door contacts with voters in swing states, phone bank contacts urging people to get out and defeat the President. All of this while his daughter was giving money to the First Lady for President Obama Thursday.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Matt Bogusz, 26, is Des Plaines' mayor-elect, the youngest mayor in the northwest suburbs and one of the youngest city leaders' in recent Illinois history. He spoke on his plans for his town, and about the big victory.
Matt Bogusz, 26, is Des Plaines' mayor-elect, the youngest mayor in the northwest suburbs and one of the youngest city leaders' in recent Illinois history. He spoke on his plans for his town, and about the big victory.
Kelly's election is a big win for New York's Mayor Mike Bloomberg. He and others worried that the Democratic primary in February might have been won by a candidate with an "A" rating from the NRA.
Kelly's election is a big win for New York's billionaire Mayor Mike Bloomberg. He and others worried that the Democratic primary in February might have been won by a candidate with an "A" rating from the NRA.
FOX Chicago snagged the first post election interview with Obama campaign advisor David Axelrod. He was critical to Tuesday night's victory - and he gets to keep his mustache.
FOX Chicago snagged the first post election interview with Obama campaign advisor David Axelrod. He was critical to Tuesday night's victory - and he gets to keep his mustache.
President Barack Obama's Kenyan half-brother told FOX Chicago News exclusively that he's so proud, and hopes to keep with the family spirit in his own political pursuits.
President Barack Obama's Kenyan half-brother told FOX Chicago News exclusively that he's so proud, and hopes to keep with the family spirit in his own political pursuits.
Just like in 2008, many people are racing to get political souvenirs from this year's election with Obama's re-election. One Chicago store on Michigan Ave expects to see and increase in sales.
Just like in 2008, many people are racing to get political souvenirs from this year's election with Obama's re-election. One Chicago store on Michigan Ave expects to see and increase in sales.
It was a rough night for the Republican Party, not only in the presidential race, but also in three matchups in the Illinois suburbs. Illinois GOP Chair Pat Brady joined Good Day to explain.
It was a rough night for the Republican Party, not only in the presidential race, but also in three matchups in the Illinois suburbs. Illinois GOP Chair Pat Brady joined Good Day to explain.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:51:51 GMT
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Faced with a trio of controversies, President Barack Obama is trying to halt a perception spreading among both White House opponents and allies that he has been passive and disengaged as unexpected developments...
President Barack Obama, seeking to regain his footing amid controversies hammering the White House, named a temporary chief for the scandal-marred Internal Revenue Service Thursday and pressed Congress to approve new...
After initially opposing the legalization of medical marijuana in Illinois, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon now supports the bill awaiting a State Senate vote. She told Good Day Chicago why she changed her mind.
After initially opposing the legalization of medical marijuana in Illinois, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon now supports the bill awaiting a State Senate vote. She told Good Day Chicago why she changed her mind.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-14 17:30:12 GMT
Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd) said he has been meeting with municipal bond experts to try to find a way for the city to buy its 36,000 meters back from Chicago Parking Meters LLC.
Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd) said he has been meeting with municipal bond experts to try to find a way for the city to buy its 36,000 meters back from Chicago Parking Meters LLC.
An Afghan official says a bomb hidden in a parked motorcycle has ripped through a crowded bazaar in a remote region of the southern Helmand province, killing at least three people and wounding seven.
A roadside bomb struck a U.S. convoy in southern Afghanistan Tuesday, killing three American troops, while a motorcycle bomb in a crowded village market killed at least three Afghan civilians, officials said.
FOX's Brett Baier has the latest on political headlines regarding former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Benghazi testimony and the IRS admitting to targeting conservative groups for tax enforcement.
FOX's Brett Baier has the latest on political headlines regarding former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Benghazi testimony and the IRS admitting to targeting conservative groups for tax enforcement.
