WASHINGTON--GOP presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman--President Obama's former ambassador to China--hits Chicago on Wednesday for a fund-raiser a short distance from Obama 2012 national headquarters. Huntsman lined up at least two big name Illinois Republicans-- former Gov. James Thompson and Illinois Manufacturers' Assn. President and CEO Greg Baise--to co-host his fund-raising lunch at Chicago Q, 1160 North Dearborn.

The price tag...$250 to $2,500, raise or give.

Update...

Illinois Huntsman host committee includes:
GREGORY W. BAISE
DAVID HERRO
BILL GRAHAM
ROBERT LEVY
STEPHEN J. LIVADITIS
ANDREW MAGLIOCHETTI
RON SORINI
PAULA & BOB THIBEAULT
GOV. JAMES R. THOMPSON
PAM WESTIN
WILLIAM E. WOLF

Lori Montana is the pro fund-raiser for the event. Montana, a top Republican fund-raiser--a few months ago was raising money for Chicago mayoral candidate Carol Moseley Braun, a former Democratic senator and ambassador.