Presidential
Reported by Daniel C. Vock
Candidates in the running
to win Illinois'
presidential primaries:
U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney
 The presidential election in 2008 will be the first since 1928 with no incumbent president or vice president running. On top of that, dozens of states, including Illinois, have pushed their primaries earlier, in an attempt to become more relevant in the race. They want their elections held before all the major players drop out.
The result is that 22 states will hold nominating contests on February 5, earning that date the nickname "Tsunami Tuesday." Among the potential prizes that day are some of the most populous states, which are rich in nomination votes but expensive to advertise in, including California, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and, of course, Illinois.
The idea to move up Illinois' primary date came from House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago, chairman of the state Democratic Party, before U.S. Sen. Barack Obama announced his candidacy. Gov. Rod Blagojevich soon jumped on board, saying the move would "give Illinois voters an opportunity to send an early message in support of Obama and send him to victory."
More about presidential race 
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Legislative
Reported by Mike Riopell
As Chicago's suburbs grow increasingly hard to label as predominantly Republican because of shifting demographics, some lawmakers have opted to switch parties.
The area is becoming a purple haze, and a challenge to Republican incumbents. While Illinois House Republicans lost only one incumbent in the 2006 elections, the Senate lost five — four from the Chicago suburbs.
However, polls suggest that Democratic Gov. Blagojevich's approval ratings sank after the summer when he and top lawmakers spent months in unprecedented and well-publicized gridlock. Lawmakers left Springfield after accomplishing little more than approving their own pay raises.
But his party does have a substantial advantage of 67 Democrats to 51 Republicans in the House, and the state's legislative boundaries were drawn to protect incumbents.
In addition, several House Republicans plan to retire or seek other offices, possibly sparking up-for-grabs campaigns that will draw the attention and the funding of both political parties. The challenge for the GOP appears nearly insurmountable in the Senate. Democrats in that chamber hold a strong 37-22 advantage. That gives them enough votes — if they stick together — for a three-fifths supermajority to override the governor's vetoes or approve major spending plans without GOP support.
While Senate Democrats could struggle to build on their majority, Republicans' daunting task includes the retirements two long-term lawmakers.
Key legislative races
Congressional
Reported by Aaron Chambers
Democrats hope to extend their slight majority in the Illinois congressional delegation, and the outcome of the February 5 primary races will play a role.
Three incumbent congressmen are retiring: J. Dennis Hastert of Plano, Ray LaHood of Peoria and Jerry Weller of Morris, leaving wide open contests in those districts.
The Democrats have a 233-202 edge in the House after a 2006 sweep. In Illinois, Democrats hold 10 congressional seats while Republicans hold nine. Democrats look to the retirements, as well as the increasingly blue nature of suburbia as a chance to gain four more seats come November.
The National Republican Congressional Committee had just $1.6 million on hand, with a $3.85 million debt, on September 30, the last campaign finance disclosure date. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had $28.3 million on hand, with a $3 million debt.
Here are the hottest races
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Look for more information on the election in Illinois Issues January 2008
PEOPLE
OBIT Henry Hyde
Q&A by Bethany Jaeger
Wayne Whalen on Con-Con
STATE OF THE STATE by Bethany Jaeger
Fighting for veterans' benefits includes struggles with state and federal programs. Regardless, the need is growing
ENDS AND MEANS by Charles Wheeler III
Well, governor, since you asked
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