Obama, Bush in Chicago Area This Week

The President and former President are in town within one day of each other

Barack Obama and George W. Bush will miss each other by a day.

The president and former president travel to the Chicago area this week, Obama on Thursday and Bush on Wednesday.

Bush heads to Elgin with former House Speaker Dennis Hastert to participate in the inaugural World Leaders Forum at Judson University, a Christian liberal arts school. Obama kicks off his 2012 re-election campaign the following day with three Chicago fundraisers.

In Elgin, Bush serves as keynote speaker for Judson's conference with a presentation called "Free Enterprise: The Dream of All Free People." He'll also answer audience questions during a moderated Q&A before a panel addressing "the value of free enterprise and share their perspectives as entrepreneurs."

Tickets to the one-day event are $275 for general admission. VIP tickets cost $2,000 and include a chance to meet Bush during a pre-event soiree with appetizers and a possible formal photo op with the former president. 

On Thursday, Obama launches a trio of campaign fundraising efforts. Two of President Obama's events are pricey parties at MK Chicago and N9ne, and the third is a lower-priced shindig at Navy Pier.

Bulls star Derrick Rose is scheduled to make an appearance at Navy Pier, according to the Chicago Tribune. Tickets to the 6:30 p.m. event are $250 and can be ordered at my.barackobama.com/April14Chicago.

Funds raised benefit the Democratic National Committee and Obama's campaign. According to the web invitation, the first $5,000 of a contribution goes to Obama for America, and the next $30,800 goes to the Democratic National Committee.

Adding to the political spectrum, Glenn Beck holds down The Chicago Theatre on Thursday for his show, "Glenn Beck Live." Tickets run $35-$95 for the 8 p.m. performance.

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