Web Extra: Grand Old Partying

The atmosphere in the hotel Thursday morning was different. A lot of smiling; a lot of buzz among the delegates for tonight’s big show; although there were a lot of red eyes, too. That's because sleep has been at a premium.

Last night, Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka hosted a party that lasted into the wee hours of the morning. And by all accounts, it was well-attended.

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“Don't worry, if you get in trouble with your spouses or friends, I've got your back,” she said. "I know where you were.”

Topinka, as plucky and charged-up as ever, took the podium at this morning's delegation breakfast to praise last night's Paul Ryan's speech touting fiscal restraint. And, she said Illinois Democrats could learn a thing or two from him.

“It is very hard as the comptroller to have to pay bills when the legislature is spending more than they can take in,” said Topinka. “You cannot spend more than you're taking in. What's not to understand about that?”

And what, among many things, does she like about Mitt Romney? For one, his ability to iron his own shirts.

“I think it’s neat he can do it because I don't know how,” she said. “My mother told me, ‘don’t ever learn how because then you'll start doing it forever.’”

The delegation also heard from 10th District congressman: Republican Robert Dold. He is in the midst of a heated challenge for his North Shore seat from Democratic nominee Brad Schneider. Dold, who tacks more to the middle, especially on social issues, said that the "American compact," or the agreement to go to work and make a better life for our kids, was in jeopardy.

“I'm fearful I’ll be that first generation that doesn't live up to it,” he said.

On Chicago Tonight at 10:00 pm, we'll hear from Congressman Peter Roskam: the highest-ranking member of Congress from Illinois. We'll ask him for his response to last night’s speech from Paul Ryan, which has been criticized widely in the media for containing misrepresentations and distortions.

All concerns aside, the mood is light and the anticipation for tonight's speech is growing by the hour. As is the anticipation for the surprise speaker, whom everyone suspects will be Clint Eastwood.

"That would make my day," said Topinka.

Can't wait to see you all on the air!

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