State to flirt with date for Obama
Madigan backs moving up '08 presidential primary so Illinois voters can impact election
SPRINGFIELD -- As U.S. Sen. Barack Obama mulls a presidential bid, his home state looks ready to try to give his potential candidacy a boost.
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) said Wednesday he wants to help Obama by moving Illinois' 2008 presidential primary to Feb. 5 from March 18. A landslide win by Obama could help him raise campaign cash and give him political momentum heading into later contests.
Illinois would join a slew of states eyeing Feb. 5 primaries or caucuses. But only four -- Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina -- would hold presidential contests sooner.
(AP)
Illinois isn't alone, though. Several states have scheduled or are considering shifting their primaries or caucuses to Feb. 5. Here's how the 2008 primary/caucus season is shaping up:
Jan. 14: Iowa
Jan. 19: NevadaJan. 22: New Hampshire+Jan. 29: South CarolinaFeb. 5: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California*, Delaware, Florida*, Illinois*, Michigan*, Missouri, New Jersey*, New Mexico, North Carolina, Utah+ primary could be moved up, per state statute
* idea has been discussed but not approved
Madigan's idea caught fire. Gov. Blagojevich quickly pledged to sign legislation moving up the primary, and such a bill should have no problem getting to his desk because Democrats control both chambers of the General Assembly.
State Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago), Obama's political mentor, said he'd support the proposal if it means it will help Obama, a former state senator. "It would be nice if the rest of the nation could see him come out strong, if he decides to run," Jones said.
Before Wednesday's announcement, Madigan said he had not discussed the idea with anyone outside his staff -- not even Obama, who was flattered.
"Obviously, Sen. Obama is working through his decision on whether to run, but is proud that Illinois could play a big role in determining the nominee in 2008," Obama communications director Robert Gibbs said.
If Illinois voters do cast ballots Feb. 5, the impact on Obama could be influenced by how many other states hold primaries or caucuses that day. Two other big states, California and Florida, are considering moving primaries to that date.
Another wild card is the impact of Illinois native Hillary Clinton.
Even if Obama beat Clinton, national observers may be most interested in the margin of victory.
"The question is what would be a successful primary for Obama," said Loyola University political science Professor Alan R. Gitelson. "The expectation is the favorite son would win, but there's a burden that goes along with that."