Moving primary up would aid Obama

Wire Services SPRINGFIELD (AP) - 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, figuring it will give the Democrat an early win. Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, proposed moving the March 18 Illinois primary to Feb. 5. A long list of states have primaries tentatively scheduled that day, but only four - 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, who is also the Illinois Democratic Party chairman, 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 will run. Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor said the senator is still deciding. "But he is proud that Illinois could play a larger role in determining the nominee in 2008," Vietor said. With plenty of Obama fans in the Democrat-controlled Illinois Legislature, Madigan's proposal should have a good chance of passing. Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich said he supports the idea, but other officials weren't ready to commit. 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. Republican leaders in the House and Senate said they would be willing to consider the idea, especially if it gives Illinois a bigger role in picking the presidential nominees. But they questioned the wisdom of altering the political calendar to benefit one person. "I'm not sure that's what ought to drive public policy in Illinois, but we'll see," said Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville. 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 - a view shared by Kent Redfield, a campaign finance expert and political science professor at the University of Illinois at Springfield. "The outcome would add to his momentum," Redfield said. Madigan said he envisions a one-time change in the state's primary date, then returning to a March primary in future years. He said he's open to discussing whether to hold one February primary for president and another one in March for all other offices. © Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.