President Barack Obama has been to Springfield before and actually worked there as a state senator several years ago. Now, Gov. Bruce Rauner hopes when Obama returns next month, nine years after announcing his presidential candidacy, the two will have time for a beer together.
Springfield sources tell NBC 5 Rauner’s office has reached out to the White House to see if the president has time for a beer at Obed and Isaac’s when he visits Illinois Feb.10.
Obed and Isaac’s, steps from what’s known as the Lincoln neighborhood, is known for its craft beers – from the Backporch Farmhouse Ale to the Ditzy Blonde -- and is quite popular among residents.
Obama is set to address the Illinois General Assembly next month, returning to the place where his political career began.
The address comes amid a historic state budget impasse in Illinois.
Gov. Bruce Rauner said in a statement he looks forward to "hearing [Obama] speak about finding common ground between Republicans and Democrats."
"Despite our political differences, the President and I share a passion for improving education, especially for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, a belief in the benefits of term limits and redistricting reform for restoring good government, and a strong desire to see more economic opportunity for all Illinoisans," Rauner said in a statement. "I know we can achieve great things for Illinois by having mutual respect for one another and focusing on bipartisan compromise to achieve what’s best for the long-term future of our great state.”
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Details on how long Obama's visit will be and what he will do during the trip weren't immediately known. As for whether or not he and Rauner will toast a Backporch Farmhouse Ale, we'll have to wait and see.
