When the state GOP holds its annual fundraising dinner tonight, there just may be a little more bubbly in their toasts than usual.
"We've raised more in the first quarter than the party did all last year. I think there is a lot enthusiasm," says Party Chair Pat Brady. "The democrats keep giving us opportunities every day - bringing in lot of new donors."
Meanwhile, the forever blue state is starting to look a little purple -- voters say they favor both GOP Senate Candidate Mark Kirk and GOP Governor Candidate Bill Brady in recent polls. Brady will be at the Drake tonight for dinner, and so will National Chairman Michael Steele, But GQ Congressman Aaron Schock and Congressman Mark Kirk won't be able to make it.
They're sending in video messages.
Even so, the state's GOP Chairman is looking forward to seeing 200 gather tonight, and raking in about $700,000.
