President Barack Obama returns home to Chicago Thursday to raise cash for his re-election campaign. The main fundraiser, taking place on Navy Pier, is being billed as the “fundraising kick-off” to the 2012 campaign.

For $100, President Obama’s supporters can get in, with $250 good enough for what’re claled “preferred tickets.” A Democratic official says the president will be introduced by Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel, until last fall the president’s chief of staff.

Mr. Obama is also attending higher-dollar events at a pair of swank Chicago restaurants, with individual donations topping out at - by law - $35,800.

After the evening of fundraising, he’ll be staying overnight in the city.

The visit comes just over a week after the president filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission, technically declaring his candidacy. The field of potential Republican challengers includes Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.