ST. LOUIS • When it comes to Game 7 of the World Series, even the most influential congressman in the country will have to adjust his schedule.

U.S. House Speaker John Boehner is due in town late Friday afternoon for a fundraiser to benefit Republican members of Congress from Missouri and Illinois.

He's still coming — but the event has been moved up from 5:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., leaving about two hours to rub elbows and collect campaign checks before the Cardinals attempt to cash in on their 11th world title.

And, if the host of the fundrasier has anything to say about it, the event will definitely be done by the 7:05 p.m. first pitch.

The event will be held near the airport at the headquarters of Hunter Engineering, which is run by Stephen Brauer, who happens to be a minority owner of the Cardinals.

Brauer, the former ambassador to Belgium under George W. Bush, likely had choice seats at Thursday night's Game 6 miracle.

Will he bring Boehner to the decisive Game 7? Perhaps, but Boehner may have to pay his own way: Unlike state law, Congress has strict guidelines on gifts that can be accepted by members.

Besides, Boehner, who is from Ohio, is probably a Cincinnati Reds fan.