DENVER — Though perhaps not as intriguing as Hef, Illinois Democratic powerbroker Michael Madigan might be more elusive than the famous Playboy.

But, just as we spotted what could be Hugh Hefner’s limo outside the Illinois delegation party yesterday evening, we also spied Madigan, who was hosting the event.

It’s a rare opportunity to see the man himself in person. (Madigan, not Hefner.)

As the party chairman for the home state of the nominee, Madigan is one of the few individuals in Denver this week who has the ear of Barack Obama.

He’ll also be at the center of the political maneuvering that could occur if Obama does indeed ascend to the White House, opening up the state’s Senate seat.

Madigan may be quietly lobbying for his daughter, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, either to get that seat, or to run against Gov. Rod Blagojevich — conspiculously absent from the list of convention speakers — in two years.

(That’s Madigan, in the blue shirt and tie)