Obama In Chicago To Raise Campaign Cash
CHICAGO (CBS) – President Obama returned to Chicago on Saturday doing well in the polls but now trailing Republican Mitt Romney in raising campaign cash.
He's here this weekend for five fundraisers, including one Sunday at his Kenwood neighborhood home.
Some of the Sunday fundraisers cost as much as $40,000 per person, while other are between $1,000 and $5,000 per ticket. The president will also attend a reception at the Bridgeport Arts Center geared toward younger supporters; tickets start at $51.00 per person.
"I think it's good that he comes home to do it and not stay in other places. He considers this his home base, so he has those events here," Obama supporter Jennea Bivens said.
After arriving in Chicago today, the president spent three hours at his campaign headquarters near Millennium Park.
Later in the day, Mr. Obama had dinner at Piccolo Sogno Due in the River North neighborhood. Then his motorcade arrived at the Obama home in Kenwood.
Political Science Prof. Stephen Caliendo says the president made the right decision to do some of his campaign fundraising at home.
"He is in the lead, he is in a position of strength at this point, and so he needs to stay steady," Caliendo said. "But he needs to raise money, so what he's doing this weekend in Chicago is exactly what he ought to be doing at this point."
The president leaves on Monday.
