Lots of luck -- on campaign trail, closer to home

When the voting booths go dark, Senators Barack Obama and John McCain may have one hope left.

And this can range from a flattened penny to a poker chip.

Both presidential hopefuls have admitted that when the going gets rough on the campaign trail, they look to a few lucky charms to pave the way.

Obama showcased a pocketful of trinkets to reporters in New Mexico on Tuesday, including a lucky poker chip, an American eagle pen, and a small gold statue of a Hindu monkey god, which he said represent his faith in luck and voters.

McCain, however, has been reported to put his faith in a total of 36 cents -- two nickels, one quarter and a penny found lying heads up on the ground in various cities he has campaigned in.

The Arizona senator has even likened one of his supporters, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), to the ultimate embodiment of luck.

Some Chicago area residents have their own good luck charms:

John McGuire, 74, a South Side retiree, carries in his wallet a card featuring the photo and last words of a celebrated Catholic priest, the Rev. Solanus Casey Capuchin, who McGuire said cured a severe ear infection he suffered as a child in Detroit. "[The card] reminds me that if I have friends who have an illness, not only to pray to God, but also to Father Solanus."

Shannan Thigpen, 38, of Hoffman Estates, carries some of the few reminders of the 10 years she spent stationed in Somalia while serving in the U.S. Army: her dog tags. "They remind me of being in Somalia, and being just miserable thinking about home."

Lisa Villarreal, 41, of Zion, doesn't leave home without her 17-year-old daughter. When things get rough, Villarreal said she looks at the picture of her high school senior to boost her spirits. "I don't leave home without it ... she's my princess, and I can't go anywhere without her."

Sara Stephens, a 65-year-old English professor in Palatine, said she doesn't necessarily keep a picture of Jesus Christ in her wallet because she is religious. But after a near-fatal car crash a few months ago, Stephens said the next time she has a near-death experience, she'll feel more confident. "It will line me up with the right person."

John Adams, 52, a downtown bike messenger from the South Side, has worn the same ring for 22 years for one simple reason: His father told him to. "[My father] gave it to me and said, 'Wear it, it'll bring something to you,' and so I don't ever take it off."