(Updated)
Former U.S. Secretary of State and possible presidential contender Hillary Clinton arrives in Chicago on Wednesday to give Gov. Pat Quinn a fund-raising assist. While First Lady Michelle Obama is to hold a Tuesday rally for Quinn, Hillary Clinton will help Quinn with fundraising, Early & Often has learned.
Clinton will also speak at the Economic Club of Chicago.
Clinton is just the latest in a string of politically powerful Democrats to swing through Chicago to back Quinn as he nears the Nov. 4 reelection deadline in what’s expected to be a dead-heat battle until the end with Republican Bruce Rauner. President Obama headlined a fund-raiser for Quinn last week. While Democrats nationally are pouring money into the race, they no doubt need to keep pace with Rauner, who has put $3 million of his own money into his efforts the last couple of weeks alone.
Of course, should Clinton launch a presidential bid, it’s politically beneficial to her to have Illinois remain a blue state.
Illinois is just one stop in Clinton’s jam-packed schedule before midterm elections, which largely focus on targeted Senate candidates in at least six states.