Top Democrats stump for Quinn at first lady rally
CHICAGO - First lady Michelle Obama campaigned Tuesday for Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, headlining a small fundraiser and rally at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
She told attendees she intends to cast a ballot for Quinn, in part because of his record on families. The Chicago Democrat stressed his push to raise the minimum wage and help working people. Illinois' other top Democrats also spoke, including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Attorney General Lisa Madigan and several congressmen.
Here's a look at Obama's visit:
THE VENUE
Thousands attended the event at the University of Illinois at Chicago's Pavilion, a multipurpose arena near the city's downtown. Quinn's campaign offered free tickets, which organizers say were spoken for quickly.
The first lady played to the boisterous hometown crowd, recalling campaigning for her husband's bid for the Illinois state Senate and later the U.S. Senate.
"It is so good to be home," she told attendees.
FUNDRAISER:
The first lady attended a small $10,000-a-person fundraiser at the upscale MK The Restaurant near downtown Chicago. About 30 people attended, according to Quinn's campaign. Last week, President Barack Obama hosted a smaller fundraiser at $50,000-a-person.
CAMPAIGNING
The first lady was last in Chicago in July for fundraising. That event - where about 100 people donated between $500 and $20,000 - was for the Democratic National Committee.
She's since been appearing at events for gubernatorial candidates in tight contests, including in Maine and Massachusetts. Earlier Tuesday, she rallied young supporters for Democrat Mary Burke in Wisconsin. Later in the week she's expected to appear on behalf of candidates in Michigan and Iowa.
REPUBLICANS
Quinn's challenger, Bruce Rauner, used last week's President Obama visit, Tuesday's stop by the first lady and an anticipated Wednesday fundraiser for Quinn with Hillary Clinton as a fundraising opportunity.
"All three are going all-in to save Pat Quinn's campaign from defeat," read a Rauner campaign email to supporters. "National Democrats know that Pat Quinn is on the run. They're sending in more high-powered names to try to rescue his campaign."