DENVER — Outside a private party for Illinois officials in downtown Denver yesterday evening, reporters were gathered eagerly trying to chase down public officials who wandered outside.

However, another attraction — a private Playboy limo — also sat in the street just outside Marlowe’s, the joint where state House Speaker Michael Madigan was hosting this shindig.

As the photos show, the Denver license plate read only “Hefner.”

Numerous copies of Playboy Magazine sat on the front seat, but the only thing visible through the rear, tinted windows were cocktail glasses, napkins and peppermints.

The driver laughed and laughed at me when I badgered him about the limo’s occupants. I couldn’t find anyone from the Illinois delegation who could or would tell me either. To be fair, it’s not clear that the limo’s passengers were even at the party.

Though, I would note that Playboy Enterprises is based in Chicago and founder Hugh Hefner attended the University of Illinois. Hrmmmm…..