Gov candidate Brady to make Palin event

One of the candidates heading the Illinois Republican ticket this year has now found time to attend a major party fundraiser headlined by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

State Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington, who is challenging Gov. Pat Quinn this November, has cleared his schedule to attend the Palin fundraiser in Rosemont Wednesday.

When the Palin fundraiser was announced last month, Brady's staff would only say that it wasn't on his schedule. On Friday campaign spokeswoman Jaime Elich said the fundraiser was now part of Brady's plans for the week.

In explaining the switch, Elich said, "We weren't sure he could make it at that time. Now, we are."

Attendance by a top-ticket candidate to a major party fundraiser with a celebrity-type headliner would usually be a given. But Palin's stop has notably drawn few takers.

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk of Highland Park, who is running for Senate, said he can't attend because he is scheduled to be in Washington, D.C., for House votes.

Top suburban congressional candidates in the GOP also have said they have prior commitments.

Palin is set to speak Wednesday afternoon at the Westin O'Hare in Rosemont at the $500-a-seat Illinois Republican Party fundraiser. Those willing to raise or contribute $10,000 can be part of a "VIP Reception" that will include a Palin photo opportunity, or $25,000 will get them a seat at an exclusive round-table with a photo.

Following the fundraiser, the former vice presidential candidate is headlining an event for AM 560 WIND, a conservative talk station, at the Rosemont Theatre.