President Obama will headline three fundraisers in Chicago today, and while Democrats are likely looking forward to bringing some serious cash in, Republicans are using the opportunity to slam the president.
Illinois congressman Aaron Schock held a conference call with reporters Wednesday, where he accused Obama of hypocrisy. The Peoria Journal-Star reports that Schock cited Thursday night's $30,000-per-plate fundraiser at the home of real estate mogul Neil Bluhm, the $2,400-per-ticket fundraiser for Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias and the $250 a ticket event at the Chicago Cultural Center.
"It seems a bit out of touch with the average, ordinary American citizen who is currently cutting back. This seems precisely the kind of decadence this administration and particularly President Obama has criticized against," Schock told Journal-Star reporters. "It seems hypocritical to throw a $30,000 event on your birthday when you've spent a greater part of the year chastising those who have that lifestyle."
Schock also took a jab at Giannoulias during the call, who has fallen behind Republican Mark Kirk in fundraising. Giannoulias and Kirk are both hoping to fill Obama's former U.S. Senate seat, which is temporarily being held by Roland Burris.
"Obviously, the White House is very worried about losing his seat," Schock said of Obama's visit.
As Schock rips Obama for fundraising, he has had some presidential help of his own in recent years.
In 2008, then-President George W. Bush visited Peoria, Ill. to raise $1 million for Schock's campaign. Former First Lady Laura Bush will be in Illinois this fall, also helping Schock out.
The Quad-City Times reports that tickets to the September event with Mrs. Bush will be between $250 and $500.