WASHINGTON — GOP White House hopeful Scott Walker hits Chicago and Downers Grove on Thursday, gathering some political chits: He will raise money for Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin and then keynote the DuPage County GOP Summer Reception.
Durkin has known Walker since his days as a Milwaukee County executive. Durkin, so far not taking sides in the crowded 2016 GOP presidential primary, would be a logical choice for Walker to pursue to lead his Illinois campaign.
Walker’s national finance co-chair, Todd Ricketts, is one of the hosts of the Durkin event.
“At each event, Walker will speak with voters, activists, and local leaders, sharing his message as a fighter and a winner with a proven record of reform in Wisconsin,” Walker’s team said in a statement.
Walker’s DuPage event is Thursday morning at Carlucci’s Restaurant, 1801 Butterfield Rd., in west suburban Downers Grove, the heart of Republican vote-rich DuPage County.
The price points for the DuPage County Republican Central Committee event rolls from $250 to $5,000.
Later in the day, Walker will head to the Peninsula Hotel, 108 E. Superior in Chicago, to be the headliner at Durkin’s big annual summer reception with the price tab ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The proceeds help elect Republicans to the Illinois General Assembly.
The top contributors get a VIP reception with Walker.