By Rick Pearson
Republican presidential contender John McCain's visit to Chicago tonight may only last a couple of hours, but it apparently will be time well spent.
Local organizers of McCain's fundraising event at a downtown Chicago hotel said they expect to net a minimum of $4 million for the Arizona senator's campaign tonight. Event fees range from $1,000 for the general reception, $5,000 for a smaller reception and photo with the candidate and a $25,000 intimate dinner.
The event is described by local McCain supporters as one of a handful of regional big-bucks fundraisers for the Republican contender.
State Rep Jim Durkin of Westchester, who is heading up McCain's effort in Democratic rival Sen. Barack Obama's home state of Illinois, said ticket sales have surged since Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was named the GOP running mate just over a week ago as well as her address to delegates at last week's Republican National Convention in St. Paul.
"Since he named Palin, this has taken on a life of its own," Durkin said of the Chicago event. Durkin said that he has noticed an increase in female business executives buying tickets for the fundraiser.
Alas, Palin is not scheduled to attend the fundraiser with McCain. She is heading to Ohio for a joint appearance with McCain there, while the GOP begins to
put her on her own campaign schedule in those fiercely competitive battleground states.
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