President Obama last came to Michigan in January when he visited the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to give a speech on college affordability.
As Michigan Radio's Sarah Cwiek reported, today's trip will be a short, but organizers hope it will be lucrative:
The President will hold the first of two fundraisers at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. That happens to be where Republican rival Mitt Romney launched his first Presidential campaign in 2007. Then Mr. Obama will head to a private fundraiser hosted by Detroit businesswoman Denise Ilitch. Organizers hope the two events will help raise more than $1 million in campaign funds for the President and other Democrats.
So far, Mitt Romney has raised more cash than Obama in Michigan. That could change after today's visit.
CBS Detroit reports around 600 people are expected at Mr. Obama's event at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, and attendees are paying "$5,000 to have dinner with the president and get a photo, $1,000 for a VIP rope line to shake his hand and $250 to attend."
The Denise Ilitch event will feature Michigan products, including white fish, vegetables, home brews, and Motown music. Participants will pay $40,000 for a cocktail reception and $10,000 per person for a dinner and candid photo.
In an interview, Denise Ilitch spoke with CBS Detroit's Carol Cain.
“My husband and I are so pleased to be hosting this event for President Obama,” said Ilitch, a Democrat, who has had a political friendship with Obama since 2008 when she successfully ran as a regent at the University of Michigan and he for president. “More importantly, the president of the United States is coming to our hometown and state. I’m going to be able to help showcase Michigan to our president,” Ilitch added.
