It always warms The Hound's cold heart when folks take his recommendations. Like the voters in New Hampshire who punished, severely, those Iowa caucus winners. So what does this week's outcome mean to Lake County voters? It means you'll have a chance to make a difference come Feb. 5.
That is the date of the primary election, moved up by the Legislature to help favorite son Sen. Barack Obama. Time will tell if this will be a help or a hindrance to the senator's campaign because it may focus more on his voting record while a member of the Illinois Senate, of which he was a member just a few short years ago.
Both Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton have the money to spend on TV advertising in the Chicago market. The Hound opines it is a two-person contest here in the Land of Lincoln. John Edwards' campaign may play downstate, but nowhere else. Obama has wrapped up local politicians and union leaders as delegate candidates in the 8th and 10th congressional districts. Obama took Lake County when he ran against Alan Keys. He has an edge in Lake County.
On the GOP side, former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani has made several trips to Illinois and has tapped several local political leaders to front his campaign in the 8th and 10th congressional district, including Lake County Republican Chair Daniel Venturi of Lake Villa. However, Arizona Sen. John McCain has Congressman Mark Kirk of Highland Park on his side. Lake County will be a battleground for the GOP convention delegates. The Hound sees it as a tossup right now.
Gentle readers should remember a presidential campaign is a marathon, a long run. This is the first primary since 1980 in which Illinois will play a major role. Hope you are all registered. Tally ho!
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