Fundraiser challenges Ordinance

Crain's Chicago Business reports:

Prominent Democratic fundraiser William Brandt Jr. says his First Amendment rights are being trampled.

In a lawsuit filed earlier this month, he’s challenging a Winnetka ordinance that requires sponsors of special events to get permits and reimburse the village for extra security and other costs.

It’s a real problem for someone who wants to have the President or Vice President and a few $10,000-a-plate guests over for dinner, as he did when he hosted former President Bill Clinton at a 1996 fundraiser in his home.

Just ask fellow Winnetka resident Patrick Ryan, who was billed $75,333.67 for police and other security costs demanded by the Secret Service for a fundraising dinner in his home, featuring President George W. Bush, in 2004. After the former Aon Corp. chairman and CEO balked, the Republican National Committee eventually paid that bill.

This will be a very interesting free speech case.