For Democrats, investment icon Warren Buffett was in town raising money for President Obama. On the Republican side, presidential candidate Mitt Romney attended two fundraisers Thursday night. Both were sold out, raising more than a half-million dollars.
Asked Thursday night for his thoughts on a new CNN poll pegging him as the frontrunner in four key states, Romney said it was "better than the alternative".
"I think it says something when you've got the candidate for President of the United States, coming to the home state of the current president and sells out," said Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford, also Romney's Illinois State Campaign Chair.
At the first event in River North, Romney took the stage and addressed more than 300 supporters.
"Just to see the people come out and care, it means a lot," said 33rd District State Senate candidate Cliff Surges.
A new poll Thursday has him leading in New Hampshire, Florida, Iowa and South Carolina.
"The polls that are important are the first states, and Mitt's doing very well there, and I think it's carrying over here to Illinois," said Romney supporter Angel Garcia.
Meanwhile, Buffett addressed business executives at a fundraiser for the Junior Achievement organization, which teaches students about financial literacy.
"It's a tremendous honor. I think Chicago is lucky to have him in town, and it's terrific, the great work he's doing on behalf of the charity," said money manager Brian Feltzin.
After the Junior Achievement event, Buffett made his way to Winnetk and the home of investment banker Byron Trott. The private event reportedly cost $35,000 a ticket. Buffett agreed to do two Obama fundraisers, one in New York, the other in Chicago.
