READY FOR BUSINESS: OBAMA OPENS REGIONAL CONSTITUENT OFFICE IN MARION

[Cuban_Liberal]

READY FOR BUSINESS: OBAMA OPENS REGIONAL CONSTITUENT OFFICE IN MARION

BY NICOLE SACK
THE SOUTHERN


MARION -- Southern Illinois needs help with its economy, its job growth and with its availability of quality education. To help, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., opened his regional constituent office in Marion on Friday.

"The reason I wanted to open an office here, is because when I traveled around the state on the campaign, what became very clear to me was that there is no region of this state that has more potential, but needs more help than Southern Illinois," Obama said to a room filled with supporters. "All of us know it has been neglected, all of us know the economy at the southern end of the state is lagging, all of us are aware that despite the hardworking people down here and the strong values you hold, that economic opportunity has been missing."

While high hopes were placed on the freshman senator during his campaign as the Democrat's current superstar, Obama kept a humble and realistic stance on his new position.

"I don't stand here making a lot of promises that I am going to suddenly transform Southern Illinois because I got elected to the Senate. I am ranked 99th in seniority, when I got their they handed me a little tooth brush and I was cleaning the latrines," Obama said jokingly. "But I do think I can make a commitment to be the hardest-working senator out here to make sure I am fulfilling your hopes and dreams and aspirations."

More: http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2005/02/05/top/doc420473b471b72752239351.txt

[bluestateguy]

1. Does he have a DuPage County office?

Turning DuPage blue is a big priority of mine, and it would help if he stuck an office there.

[Cuban_Liberal]

3. No, he doesn't.

He has offices in Chicago, Springfield and Marion.

:)

[AwakeAtLast]

2. It's about time!

I grew up in So. Illinois. Little attention has been paid to that portion of IL for so long that I was beginning to think that we were on an island.

Good for him, I hope he can get things going down there!

[Cuban_Liberal]

4. I hope so, too.

Paddy and I frequently travel to southern Illinois for recreation, and we really like the people and the area; the economic picture, sadly, is dismal. While the rest of the state may be coming out of a recession, it's quite obvious that southern Illinois is in a virtual depression. It needs help--- badly.

[AwakeAtLast]

5. And what most people don't realize

is that it has been that way for at least twenty years! And on top of that, most of the area is very Republican. Try to figure that one out!

I am from the smallest county in Illinois - Edwards. It is near the unfinished prison that got put on the chopping block by the governor. That would have definitely helped. I'm not sure of the reasons behind that, but I know people were very put out by it.

What areas did you travel?

[Cuban_Liberal]

6. We've spent a lot of time in Franklin, Williamson and Jackson counties

We both love the outdoors, especially fishing, hiking and camping, and that particular area is just ideal for any or all 3 of those.
:)

[Padraig18]

7. Good!

It's an area of the state that needs help; it's been neglected for 20 years.