Perry fundraiser hopes to energize Illinois GOP to “reclaim” statehouse
A Barrington businessman and influential conservative donor hopes a Thursday breakfast fundraiser in Carpentersville for Texas Gov. Rick Perry will not only strengthen a top-tier GOP presidential hopeful's war chest but energize Illinois Republicans in the quest to “reclaim” the statehouse.
Jack Roeser, founder of Otto Engineering and the Family Taxpayers United Foundation, says he traveled to Austin, Texas, in late August to hear Perry talk about initiating his run for president. Perry entered the race as a favorite, alongside former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, but has seen numbers slip a bit after shaky debate performances in recent weeks.
Roeser said he spoke with Perry about the Democratic-controlled General Assembly and the need for Republicans to “reclaim” Illinois, with a goal of picking up at least six seats apiece in the state House and Senate next November.
“Madigan and the Democrats have their signature all over it,” Roeser said. “I wanted him to be here to be introduced and (the fundraiser) run by us, because we want to win the state. I told him we were a strong political force up here.”
Roeser says he supports Perry because he has “taken strong stands through the years on a lot of different issues. Conservative issues and economic issues and jobs.”
Perry traveled to Chicago Wednesday fresh off a campaign stop in Indianapolis, where he blasted President Barack Obama's jobs and energy policies. Chicago residents Steve and Holly Cortess were hosting a private fundraiser for Perry at their North Side home Wednesday evening.
Thursday's fundraiser at the Otto Engineering plant is also private, “in order to have an open dialogue between Gov. Perry and donors,” an official from Roeser's office said.
Roeser said the fundraiser was being held in Carpentersville to showcase the company, which he calls “a manufacturing leader in Illinois run by good conservative principles.”
Roeser says about 90 attendees are paying $1,000 to $5,000 pop, with $100,000 expected to be raised.
“There will be some real interesting people there,” Roeser said. “These are all people that can afford $1,000 for breakfast.”
Following his stop in the suburbs, Perry is expected to give his first major policy speech in Pittsburgh.