Now that Mayor Rahm Emanuel has released the list of donors to his May inaugural gala, we know the identities of his “co-chairmen,” the contributors who donated $50,000 and received four tickets to the concert, reception, dinner and inauguration. Here they are. Pay close attention to these donors. They’re the people on whose behalf Emanuel is attacking public employees.
Eric Lefkofsky, Glencoe, Managing Partner, Lightbank LLC: In real life, Lefkofsky is the co-founder and chairman of Groupon. His wife, Liz, also gave $10,000. Fortune magazine recently published this story about lawsuits generated by Lefkofsky’s previous ventures.
Fred Eychaner, Chicago, CEO, NewsWeb Corporation: Gay rights activist and printing mogul is one of the nation’s top Democratic donors. According to the Tribune, “Eychaner lives a remarkably frugal life, with the notable exception of his multimillion-dollar home in Lincoln Park. The fortresslike structure, made of glass and concrete, has hosted Bill Clinton three times, Mayor Richard M. Daley [and] Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.”
Jay R. Pritzker, Chicago, The Pritzker Group, CEO: Heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, manager of a private investment firm.
Howard Labkon, Chicago, President and Owner, Rose Worldwide, Inc.: Labkon’s family owns General Iron Industries, Inc., a metal recycling business in Lincoln Park.
Kenneth Griffin, Chicago, President, Citadel Investment LLC: Harvard grad has earned billions of dollars managing one of the world’s largest hedge funds, making him one of the richest men in America.
Clifford Law Offices, Chicago: One of the top personal-injury law firms in Chicago.
Howard L. Gottlieb, Evanston, retired: Former hedge fund manager and big-time Democratic Party contributor.
Timothy Mullen, Chicago, Private Investor: Not sure exactly what this guy does, but whatever it is, he earns a lot of money and gives it to Democrats.
