WASHINGTON — GOP White House hopeful Jeb Bush returns to Chicago on Oct. 8 and 9 for high dollar fundraisers hosted by a powerhouse group of Illinois backers.
“While the other candidates have their strengths, Governor Bush has the strongest record of results and unique experience in the global community and will work with Israel as a true partner and ally,” said Muneer Satter, the retired Goldman Sachs partner, who is the Bush Illinois finance co-chair, in an email about two events for Bush next month.
Though frontrunner Donald Trump is not mentioned by name, Satter also writes in the email, “we need a president who has the ability to lead on Day 1 and execute in a positive manner for all citizens.”
There are two events for the former Florida governor: The evening of Oct. 8 at the home of Janet and Gerard Keating in Geneva and a breakfast Friday morning at the Chicago Club
The price points: Co-Chairs are being asked to raise $10,800, Co-Hosts, $5,400 with a single ticket $2,500. Folks 32 or younger get a break: just $250 to attend.
The Bush visit in October marks just the latest Illinois stop for 2016 cash. In February and March, Bush hit Chicago to raise money for his Right To Rise PAC; his wife, Columba, was the draw in May and Bush touched down last June.
Bush launched his bid with the backing of the Illinois political establishment and it remains with him, even as he is lagging in the polls. The co-hosts of the event include blue chip Illinois Republicans such as former Amb. Jim Kenny; Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., in line to be Bush’s Illinois campaign co-chair along with former Gov. Jim Edgar; William Kunkler; Rep. Tom Cross; former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson; former Exelon chief John Rowe and business honchos Chris Galvin and Ron Gidwitz.
Bush fundraiser Lisa Wagner is the pro running the Bush finance operation in Illinois.
