Obama arrives in his hometown. Rat greets press pool

President Obama landed in Chicago late this afternoon where Gov. Pat Quinn greeted him and then joined him on Marine One as they made their way to Chicago Cut Steakhouse for the first of a pair of fundraisers for the Democratic National Committee.

As the president’s motorcade traveled along Grand Avenue and then LaSalle, Chicagoans lined the streets holding up phones to record or snap photos.

A Democratic official said the president will take part in a roundtable discussion with about 25 supporters at his first stop. Those attending paid up to $32,500.

“Later, the President will attend a dinner reception at a private residence in Chicago with approximately 55 supporters contributing up to $10,000,” the official said.

Before the first event, which was private, pool reporters were initially waiting in a parking garage where a large rat scurried by.

Welcome to Chicago.