LIBRARY ON PAR
The library card . . .
PHILADELPHIA — Sneed’s exclusive tip Wednesday that the site of President Barack Obama’s Presidential Center and Library was going to be located on Chicago’s South Side at Jackson Park is accompanied by a turf tip.
Sneed earlier tipped that Obama, a golf devotee, was leaning toward placement of his presidential library at Jackson Park because he likes the idea of his library being near a golf course!
The president golfs whenever his busy schedule allows, and both the Jackson Park and South Shore golf courses are nearby.
Of course, a golf course is a minor part of the big Obama Library picture — but this divot data seems par for the course.
Running with Rauner . . .
Sneed hears rumbles Diana Rauner, wife of Gov. Bruce Rauner — who has been hammered on all sides for his conservative reins on the state’s finances — wants out.
◆ Translation: Sneed is told Diana, who has been ramrodding privately funded reconstruction of the state’s ancient pile known as the governor’s mansion — as well as managing a large family and successful marriage — has told close friends she hopes her husband doesn’t run again.
◆ Explanation: The state’s first lady is tired of the nasty spotlight since the inauguration of her hugely wealthy husband in January 2015.
Diana, an expert in early childhood programs who continues her work at the Ounce of Prevention Fund, holds a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the University of Chicago, a master’s degree in business administration with experience in investment banking and private equity — and manages homes all over the country depending on the season.
“The Rauners have a good marriage and six kids, but all the criticism being lobbed at her husband — as well as a job which doesn’t leave a lot of time for family time — has to be very difficult,” a Sneed source said.
Sneed is told the governor spends more time at the Springfield mansion than his wife.
Diana is also a Democrat; the polar opposite of her Republican husband — although he is no fan of Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump.
Stay tuned.
Postcards from Philadelphia . . .
Greetings from the city hosting the Democratic National Convention and the only city in the country that has a namesake sandwich [Philly Cheesesteak] accompanied by a way to eat it: “Lean in!”
Aww . . .
Kiss. Kiss. Hug. Hug. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton may be a tough cookie on the world stage, but here’s what she said in an email Wednesday to her best Park Ridge childhood chum, Betsy Ebeling, a member of the Illinois delegation.
It read: “You were so wonderful during the roll call. Love you so much.”
The Clinton button . . .
It’s a keeper! A blue button emblazoned with three horizontal numbers — 9296-16 — surrounded by two white stars — denoting Bill Clinton’s two terms in office and the year his wife became the presidential nominee — could become the political keepsake of the convention.
It was a keepsake passed out at a reception for Clinton and people serving in his administration Wednesday. Bill Daley and the Rahmster were there.
Toni’s turf . . .
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who is telling pals privately she does not intend to run for mayor, is describing her invitation to sit in the DNC’s “suite six” with former President Bill Clinton . . . terrific!
“But I’m taking it as sort of a consolation prize,” Preckwinkle told Sneed.
“I asked to speak at the DNC and was turned down,” she said. “And then I was asked to sit in the president’s box. It was moving to see him [Clinton] tear up during his wife’s speech. I was touched.”
PB & J . . .
Grab the knife! Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who is keeping her options open in the upcoming gubernatorial race, tells Sneed she was so frustrated by the long lines for food at the DNC, she took matters into her own hands.
◆ To wit: She bought a huge loaf of bread, slathered it with peanut butter and jelly, hauled it to the DNC and fed nine famished Illinois delegates.
Turf’s up!
Here Ye! Hear Ye! Let it be known powerful Ald. Ed Burke (14th), the City Council’s senior statesman, did NOT play golf this week during the DNC on turf owned by Trump.
◆ Tee hee: Burke, who has a private law practice that has advised Trump and his investors on how to steer through the city’s arcane tax system, was spotted playing at the Llanerch Golf Club in Havertown, Pennsylvania, and the Sunnybrook Country Club with Ald. Pat O’Connor (40th) and attorney Gene Callahan — and not at the Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia in nearby Pine Hill, N.J.
Whew.
Sneedlings . . .
I spy: Rap superstar Drake spotted dining at RPM Steak before his show at the United Center on Tuesday night. . . . Today’s birthdays: Lori Loughlin, 52; Manu Ginobili, 39, Dia Weil, ageless and a priceless, and a belated birthday wish to Dan Kirk, 45.