by John McCormick

Maybe it's just a coincidence, but Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama will have fundraisers next week in Chicago within a day of each other and in the same hotel.

Clinton will start off the fun Monday evening with an event at the Palmer House Hilton that is expected to draw several hundred. It is being sponsored by some big Chicago Democratic names such as Myron Cherry, Fred Eychaner and Joe Power, Jr. Access to the cocktail reception will run $1,000, while drinks and dinner will set donors back $2,300, the full amount allowed for a primary campaign contribution.

Like Clinton's event, Obama's is being hosted by a group that includes several trial lawyers, always an important donor base for Democrats. Less than 12 hours after Clinton's dinner crowd clears out, Obama is expected to arrive for what looks to be a breakfast "reception," with the eggs costing a "suggested contribution of $2,300 or $1,000." Some of Obama's hosts for the event are Bob Clifford, Kevin Conway and Bruce M. Kohen.

All of the presidential candidates are racing toward a June 30 deadline for second-quarter fundraising that will be used by some to help judge their viability as candidates.