VIDEO: Looking Back at Boehner's Low-Key Visit

U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) arrived in a large black SUV led by State Police cars to a benefit for the Committee for a Fair and Balanced Map just before 6 p.m. Friday night in Hinsdale.

The benefit took place at the home of Kay and Mike Birck, located at 744 S. Oak St. Boehner spoke at the event and left just before 7 p.m.

The Speaker did not make himself available for comment before or after the event. 

Hinsdale residents Jerry and Ann Nerad attended the fundraiser and Jerry said afterward that Boehner spoke about the "gerrymandered" Illinois congressional map, the upcoming 2012 elections, and the overall values and goals of the Republican Party.

"You could look at his old speeches and pick up the same," Jerry said.

U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.), a Hinsdale resident, was seen greeting guests outside the benefit, as was Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady. 

"It was a nice get together and people came from around the state," Jerry Nerad said. "It was very crowded so it was tough to circulate. You just had to find a spot."

Jerry's wife Ann added to that.

"The host said that it was the greatest number of people that they had ever entertained in their home," she said. "They were gracious hosts."

The fundraiser for the Committee for a Fair and Balanced Map, an organization opposed to the Democratic redistricting map in Illinois, featured a guest list that features Boehner, former Speaker J. Dennis Hastert as well as U.S. Reps. Biggert and Peter Roskam (R-Ill.), according to an event flier.

Those interested in attending were given donation options that ranged from $500 to $10,000. According to committee spokesman John McGovern, the event was not "tiered," meaning there were no additional privileges for guests that choose to donate more. 

The Committee for a Fair and Balanced Map is a newly established, independent organization made up of Illinois citizens who think the redistricting map passed by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly provides "a partisan advantage," according to the committee's website.

The committee is listed as one of 17 plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit against the Illinois State Board of Elections and eight other individual defendants. Biggert and Roskam are among the plaintiffs.

The committee filed a motion for an injunction that would preclude the board of elections from implementing the new district map, which was passed by Springfield lawmakers in May. 

Proceeds from Friday's fundraiser were meant to go to support the lawsuit.

“Together, we are committed to making sure that all Illinois voters have an opportunity to elect the representatives they chose—not those forced upon them by political power-brokers in Springfield,” the “About Us” page on the committee's website reads. “We will explore every option available to us to protect Illinois voters, preserve communities of interest, and empower the democratic process.”

Hastert is one of seven people who sit on the committee's board of directors. Lynn Martin is the organization's chairwoman.