Madigan wants to aid Obama by changing primary date (Illinois)

SPRINGFIELD -- The powerful speaker of the Illinois House said Wednesday he wants to help U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's possible campaign for president by moving up the state's 2008 primary election to give Obama an early home-state victory.

Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, proposed moving the March 18 Illinois primary to Feb. 5. A long list of states have primaries scheduled that day, but only four states -- Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina -- would be earlier than Illinois.

''These states are not representative of mainstream America. They're clearly not as representative of America as Illinois would be,'' Madigan said. ''But if Barack is a candidate, recent history tells us the selection process may be finished before it reaches the Illinois primary.''

Madigan said he has not spoken to Obama or his aides about the proposed change. He also denied any inside knowledge about whether the freshman Illinois senator has decided to run.

With plenty of Obama fans in the Democrat-controlled Illinois Legislature, Madigan's proposal should have a good chance of passing. But other officials weren't ready to commit to it immediately.

Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, said he wants to discuss the idea with Obama, his political protege. ''This came out of the clear-blue sky. I don't know whether that would help Obama or hurt him,'' Jones said.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross wondered about the impact on voter registration deadlines and other administrative chores.

Madigan, who issued his proposal as the General Assembly was sworn in for a new two-year term, predicted Obama would benefit from winning Illinois even though he would be expected to carry his home state. Madigan said it would help with political fundraising and national news coverage.

As the last paragraph says, this would be rather pointless in "helping" Obama should he run since no other candidate would be likely to contest the state, especially with the high cost of the Chicago media market.

Seems like more interesting implications for Republicans. Someone like Giuliani or McCain would clearly benefit from an early IL primary.

The Left just can't help itself. The last time they rearranged the presidential primaries, the Democrats wound up with John F. Kerry.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

2 posted on 01/12/2007 2:46:28 AM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever)

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