Illinois GOP Chairman: This Is No Time For Obama To Hold Fundraiser
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) -- The chairman of the Illinois Republican Party does not approve of President Barack Obama's Chicago fundraiser that is coming Wednesday evening.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Alex Degman reports, Chairman Pat Brady contends Obama was nowhere to be seen during the debate over the nation's debt limit, and more Americans are losing jobs every day.
LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Alex Degman reports
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So Brady asks, how does this an appropriate time to throw a fundraiser?
"At this point in George Bush's reelect – I guess it would have been 2003 – he had held three fundraisers. President Obama – I think this is his 33rd fundraiser," Brady said. "The focus of his presidency has been getting reelected, not focusing on the issues that are important to most Americans."
When asked if it is appropriate for Republicans to hold fundraisers, Brady said the decision is up to them. Republican presidential contenders such as U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) have made their positions clear, and furthermore, Bachman has not missed a vote because of campaign responsibilities.
"This is the president of the United States. He ran for this office because he said he was going to solve the problems of the country, and not one of them has been solved. In fact, he's made the situation worse," Brady said. "I think of all the people in this country, he has the highest responsibility to take care of the job at hand."
Obama's fundraiser will also serve as a celebration for his 50th birthday at the Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. Herbie Hancock, Jennifer Hudson and OK Go will perform at the gala, for which a VIP dinner will cost up to $35,800 per plate.
