LIVE session coverage...
SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax      Advertise Here      Mobile Version     Exclusive Subscriber Content     Updated Posts    Contact
CapitolFax.com
To subscribe to Capitol Fax, click here. Subscriptions are $350 per year.
Obamarama - The announcement approacheth

Thursday, Feb 8, 2007

Preparations are well under way for Saturday’s big announcement.

Downtown Springfield will be “somewhat closed” for the presidential campaign announcement Saturday of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, Mayor Tim Davlin said Tuesday.

Exact locations of street closures weren’t provided by Davlin, who spoke with reporters at the Old State Capitol, where Obama will make the announcement.

Davlin reiterated that gates will open at Sixth and Adams streets at 9 a.m., and that the Obama campaign has said the program will begin about 10 a.m.

“We’d invite everybody to carpool as much as they possibly can because parking in the street is going to be at a minimum,” Davlin said, although several downtown garages will be open, providing more than 1,000 spaces. The parking lot below the Old Capitol, however, will close at 5 a.m. Saturday.

Watch the Davlin video by clicking on the pic…

And

A film crew is already in town from Norway. The campaign has fielded inquiries from media outlets in Japan, a few counties in Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

“Needless to say, it’s going to be a big day in Springfield,” said Davlin.

I’m supposed to be interviewed this afternoon by a radio reporter from Switzerland, of all places. What a strange thing. Some legislators have been telling me that the interest in the announcement was so intense back in their districts that they’ve organized bus caravans to Springfield.

If you can’t make it to the show, I’ll be doing some live-blogging for The Hotline blog (some of which may wind up at NBC.com) before during and after the event. We’ll probably be cross-posting those here, so check on Saturday. I’m also hoping to have some audio, and we’re working on that today.

My parents are coming down tomorrow sometime (Mom just told me that Dad and his Obamallac were interviewed by a Quad Cities TV station this afternoon), my brother will be here with his daughters and ArchPundit is crashing on a rollaway bed.

It’s gonna be a madhouse, campers. Dress warmly, and be prepared to deal with thousands of spectators.

Are you planning to go?

By the way, the weather forecast for 9 o’clock Saturday morning is a high of 10 and a low of 6. Partly cloudy skies. Brrrr.

- Posted by Rich Miller        


34 Comments
  1. - oechmd - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 1:49 pm:

    Nope, not going. Might wind up voting for the guy but am not going to get caught up in the crazy hype going on right now.


  2. - Citizen A - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 1:52 pm:

    It would be worth the trip just to see that Caddy ! But then they’d go and ruin it with all that gushing over “Honest Barry”. Might just go to have a smoke with Mr. wonderful, though. Naaaahhhhh! Will there be an Abe impersonator ? Oh! I forgot. Sorry


  3. - Belle - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 1:57 pm:

    Nope. Davlin’s office said that the parking tickets given out election day to vehicles running with flashers on while unloading (then moved and parked legally) by an over-zealous meter person would not have to be paid. His office lied. Have not been back downtown since. Too bad really, there were a couple of restaurants I liked.

    To those going to the announcement - beware of where you park.


  4. - Snark! - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 2:18 pm:

    Cool! It is outside, so I can enjoy a smoke while watching. Maybe Obama will light one up, too.


  5. - Anon - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 2:18 pm:

    I think the Obama excitement is a great thing - since when is public enthusiasm a bad thing for a campaign? But I’m going with family and friends to the Obama rally at UIC on Sunday. It’s indoors and warm! As for Saturday and the below-zero wind chill, I will be watching on TV! The Obama camp sure as heck better start on time. People are going to be plenty cold in no time. The warm-up speakers better start at 9:30, not 10. At least Sen. Durbin will help folks forget the cold during his time at the mic. (Note to critics, Durbin often gives a better stump speech than Obama.)


  6. - ChicagoCynic - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 2:26 pm:

    I’ll be there with bells on - to make me easy to find.


  7. - NW burbs - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 2:53 pm:

    I’ll bet all those folks there will raise the air temps at least a few degrees.

    Any bets on how many anti-Obama slimeposts will end up replying here? We’ve already got a few and mine is only the 7th post.

    PS y’all: who cares if he smokes? He’s been honest about it all along and he’s trying to quit (again). It’s not any better or worse than all those Moral Party Candidates running for president on a record of divorces and extra-marital affairs.


  8. - Citizen A - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 3:05 pm:

    Trying to quit ? That’s even worse - think how nervous that makes someone - and you want to put that shaking finger on the nuclear button? No, no, no! Let’s not let that happen. Do we know what brand he smokes yet? Or will we have to wait and see who his lawyer, John Edwards, sues?


  9. - Levois - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 4:09 pm:

    It’s going to be a great show down there. This’ll be fun!


  10. - Megan - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 4:20 pm:

    I doubt it….way too cold.


  11. - Bomber91 - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 4:22 pm:

    Nope. Too cold, too early and not an Obama fan. Have fun!


  12. - VanillaMan - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 4:26 pm:

    I would love to, but I have a life.


  13. - Utility Infielder - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 4:29 pm:

    Belle, How much was the ticket? $20? Could be worth it. When he comes up to Chicago it would be about $210 with the ticket tow and storage charge. He’s not Elvis


  14. - Citizen A - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 4:41 pm:

    Blago thinks HE is Elvis - probably is dreaming of being Barry’s running mate. Wow! A chance to be rid of the guv and the jr. sinator in one swell foop.


  15. - NW burbs - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 5:28 pm:

    Citizen A (aka, “Obama Snarkinator”) — re-read your Constitution. Can’t have a Prez and a Veep from the same state, which is why Cheney had to claim his vacation home in Wyoming as his residence despite the fact he was living in Texas in 2000.


  16. - Lovie's Leather - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 5:35 pm:

    I wish the cool-aid drinkers would hurry up and swallow….


  17. - Citizen A - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 5:35 pm:

    Bet Barry sleeps better just knowing that. Darn!


  18. - Dollar USA - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 5:51 pm:

    Forget going to the announcement on Saturday. Do something useful like helping an elderly neighbor.


  19. - Citizen A - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 5:54 pm:

    Speaking of elvis - is the guv planning on being in springpatch to bask in some of that national spotlight? Can’t imagine him passing up the opportunity. The sideshow could be a blago/davlin hair faceoff. When are the dems going to stop trying to look like Jack and Bobby? Sooo retro . . . and boooring.


  20. - State Worker w/ MBA - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 6:03 pm:

    He has yet to show anything to me. What has he done since he was elected and served in the Il Senate or DC?

    The lead story on the channel 20 news at 10 is going to be his favorite resturant in Spfld. Give me a break.

    Also I believe he had voted for every gun control bill up for vote. Lost me right there.


  21. - Springfield resident - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 8:33 pm:

    Parking? At the risk of being pedantic, even Springfield has a bus system (www.smtd.org). Do us all (and the environment) a favor and take public transit.

    Citizen A - If we could figure out how to tax irrelevant cheap shots, we could go a long way toward funding the pension liability with your comments alone.


  22. - Springfield resident - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 8:34 pm:

    Kamahamaha -

    The campaign hasn’t started yet.


  23. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 8:49 pm:

    Spfld resident, spfld bus service is pretty erratic (or nonexistent in some places) on saturday.


  24. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 8:50 pm:

    Kamahamaha, let’s see what the turnout is before you say it’s all “media driven.” If most of the people who show up are reporters, then you’ll be proved prescient. I think you’ll be wrong, however.


  25. - U of I Dem - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 8:57 pm:

    A huge contingent from the U of I will be there.


  26. - Max Maxwell - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 9:11 pm:

    How will you be able to tell the difference between a “closed down” downtown Springfield on a Saturday and a regular downtown Springfield on a Saturday??


  27. - Citizen A - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 9:19 pm:

    Springfield resident
    There you go again - Tax it if it breathes, moves or just exists. Instead of your tax supported nanny state why can’t we endorse, indeed embrace, Universal SELF SUFFICIENCY ? Try it on - for some of us it fits nicely. What does Barry and his senior twin have to say about that. I know, I know - My taxes will provide that to all. Bwah ha haaa.


  28. - OneMan - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 9:59 pm:

    Kids have soccer on Saturday otherwise I would go just to watch (how often does one get a chance to see something like this) as for the Bus service, having taken a bus in Springfield from downtown to the fairgrounds I would have to say car-pool. Don’t count on SMT and have fun.

    If you are from out of town, have a horseshoe or a ponyshoe while you are down there for OneMan.


  29. - Way Northsider - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 10:21 pm:

    Planning to go to UIC on Sunday. Sorry to miss Saturday but have family obligations here that take priority.


  30. - overthetop - Thursday, Feb 8, 07 @ 10:41 pm:

    Tempting to go just to figure out where the lunacy is coming from


  31. - Disgusted - Friday, Feb 9, 07 @ 12:09 am:

    Not me, I’m headed to Tampa for some sun. Can’t take this cold weather or the hype. But then again, the city can use the extra cash.


  32. - 'Lainer - Friday, Feb 9, 07 @ 6:20 am:

    One Man — your kids have soccer in THIS weather?


  33. - OneMan - Friday, Feb 9, 07 @ 7:48 am:

    Indoor soccer.


  34. - 'Lainer - Friday, Feb 9, 07 @ 8:13 am:

    Oh… that does make more sense. As for the buses… I have ridden buses from the UIS campus area to downtown on Saturdays frequently, and never had a problem with it. The reliability must depend on the route.


Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.


* The Tenaska Tax: A $163 Million Annual Residential Rate Hike
* Question of the day
* Judges may sue over health insurance bill
* Media finally catches on
* Here they come
* Morning Shorts
* Spoiled rotten brats
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Supplement to today’s edition and a big Statehouse roundup
* *** LIVE SESSION UPDATES ***
* SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today's edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
* Yesterday's blog posts

Support CapitolFax.com
Visit our advertisers...

...............

...............

...............

...............

...............


Search This Blog...

Search the 97th General Assembly By Bill Number
(example: HB0001)

Search the 97th General Assembly By Keyword


Categories
Home
Illinois
YouTube
Pundit rankings
Obama
Subscriber Content
Durbin
Burris
Blagojevich Trial
Advertising
Updated Posts
Polls

* Will Facebook adapt to mobile or will mobile adapt to Facebook?
* 11 Top Celebs to Follow on Viddy
* The Los Angeles Home Screen [Featured Home Screen]
* Report: standalone mobile app for Facebook page management coming soon
* Hacked recipes and printing food: When bytes meet bites
* Gmail updated with quick access to contacts in search and new Google+ integration
* Twitter: Here’s How to Hide Your Tweets from Google

  
* Here’s How Bad Android’s Fragmentation Problem Is [GRAPHIC]
* ASUS Transformer TF101 update rolling out with Face Unlock
* Verizon killing off grandfathered unlimited data plans
* 6 Educational Android Apps for Adults
* HTC Desire C Benchmarks Are A Pleasant Surprise
* ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Updated, Brings Face Unlock And Much Needed Bug Fixes
* Speedway Racers arcade racing roaring its way on to the App Store May 16

* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/rH8y0has - Jake Peavy Reminds Us That It's 20..
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/yNvrT72i - Beloved Hickey a 'classic underdog..
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/pBtg4FTi - Clemens' lawyer grills McNamee on ..
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/iRQkT7pw - Illinois legislators honor ex-Sox ..
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/yNvrT72i - The 2012 Angels vs. the 2011 White..
* Illinois legislators honor ex-Sox pitcher Pierce
* Carmelita: a Los Angeles Angels Preview


May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004

Blog-Spot Archives
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005

   
Loading


* Illinois House shuffles money to aid child care - ....
* Illinois House votes to restore funding to childca....
* Part of I-64 could be dedicated to Jessica, Kelli ....


* Ill. House shuffles to money to aid child care
* NATO summit gives Chicago coveted global spotlight
* Madigan pension proposal targets local money
* NY authorities: Ring 'stalked' luxury car owners
* Man gets 47 years in Alton robbery killing
* Pre-NATO protests target evictions, foreclosures
* Clowns to join anti-NATO protests in Chicago
* Tax preparer gets 7.5 years in prison in scheme
* Ameren warns of utility scam
* Shedd staff to stay in locked aquarium during NATO

* Strip club fee ok'd by committee
* Unions gear up to oppose state pension changes
* House GOP staffer disciplined for political work on state time
* Madigan proposes diverting local funds to pensions
* Quinn: Reform plans a rescue operation
* Patti Blagojevich and daughters make prison visit
* Sangamon County GOP hears from four finalists for Johnson spot
* Our Opinion: Tenaska a project that has potential
* Third party formed to challenge indicted state lawmaker
* Vote to create health-insurance exchange unlikely this spring

* Money for Illinois highways being diverted
* IL Senate president proposes iGaming plan for the state
* More potholes in Illinois' future?
* Enviro groups: IL coal-to-gas projects too costly for ratepayers
* Priorities for IL women voters: Jobs and economy, not abortion
* Illinois drivers soon can leave scenes of minor accidents
* Week in Review: Pensions, health care take center stage in IL

* Southwest Airlines delays Boeing 737 deliveries
* Draft alum Modesto makes another agency move
* CME set to dial down plan for expanded grain trading: sources
* Deere posts 17 percent profit increase, raises full-year earnings forecast
* Quinn mulls using executive order to create insurance exchange


* Business leader proved right about NATO preparations
* Family: Groom wanted in wife’s murder made odd phone call
* Protesters demand FBI drop charges against L.A. anti-war activist
* Man helps rescue ducklings from sewer as mama duck watches
* Suburbs on alert, but so far little impact from NATO
* Man paid prostitutes in heroin, food from McDonald’s dollar menu: cops
* Busloads of protesters head to Chicago for NATO Summit
* L.A. man charged with felony after allegedly striking cop in NATO protest
* Emanuel on NATO Summit: It’s going to be historic — ‘The Chicago Accords’
* Occupy Chicago marches in Loop against evictions


* City kicks in $29 million for West Loop office tower
* Dogs attack woman, police officer
* Loop marchers call for moratorium on foreclosures
* Burbank police to bride-slaying suspect: 'Do what's right'
* Man robs stationery store in Wilmette
* Lamborghini crash video becomes YouTube sensation
* $1 million bail set for man accused of running sex ring
* Girl, 11, drowns while playing on bridge in Bolingbrook
* Police: 3 charged in 9-state shoplifting scheme
* Chicago man sentenced on federal fraud charges


* Small businesses fuel Chicago exports abroad
* Ill. senators push miniature horse bill
* 50 Wards in 50 Weekdays: 33rd Ward's Manuel LePorte enjoys neighborhood peacefulness, but not the winters
* Minimum Wage Hike Advances At Capitol
* Lawmakers Move To Spare Subsidized Child Care
* 3rd Party Formed To Challenge Indicted State Rep
* Ameren Warns Of Utility Scam
* Chicagoans Open Homes, Yards To NATO Protesters
* Clowns to join anti-NATO protests in Chicago
* ICE detainers a public-safety issue?

* NATO summit gives Chicago coveted global spotlight - Arlington Heights Daily Herald
* Cook County Medical Examiner cuts back on autopsies due to doctor shortage
* Medical examiner halts autopsies in drug, alcohol abuse deaths - Chicago Sun-Times
* Even menus are vetted for NATO dinners — dessert called 'The Bomb' is out - Crain's Chicago Business
* Developers Tells Economy To STFU; Will Build Lake Street Tower Anyway


* House OKs money for child-care program
* Lanphier basketball coach Shanklin leaving position
* Hot Online: Verizon to nix unlimited data plans
* Talk to us: What's your favorite area getaway spot?
* Strip club fee ok'd by committee
* Suicidal man confronted by cops shot himself in head, police say
* Old Capitol Farmers' Market opens for 13th season
* Vandalism at preowned-car lot is featured crime of week
* Ameren warns of scam targeting Illinois, Missouri customers
* Morning Jolt: Family saves kitten tossed out of car


* Duffy yellow light plan stalls
* AP: Suspect groom made odd phone call after 'bad fight' with bride
* Manhunt under way for groom of slain bride
* Increased seat belt enforcement on Memorial Day
* 'Drano bill' heads to governor


* Wiltowski SIU's new coal research center director
* Shipman kindergartners may go to Brighton next year
* Family Museum gains Vision Iowa grant
* Baker-Brncic cares about women in community
* Davenport projects affect Gaines, Harrison streets
* Anger, drama at Ratko Mladic's genocide trial
* Key Republican: JPMorgan $2 billion loss raises questions
* Roadwork in Moline affects Arsenal exit ramp
* Three-year-old boy reported shot in Urbana
* Illinois House shuffles money to aid child care

* Violence Against Women Act needs strong reaut..
* SC Man Feds Want to Deport Will Get Day in Co..
* Aptiv Solutions Announces the Appointment of ..
* Habeeb: Wassink doesn't have necessary suppor..
* 13th Congressional Dist. Candidate Forum Held..
* Congress runs for wounded warriors - Thehill...
* Haven Hill Album Promo Video - Worldnews.com
* Christie would not be a happy 'second fiddle'..
* TN freshman lawmakers who vowed change lavish..
* House freshmen spent millions of tax dollars ..

* JPMorgan Chase's Loss Is a Call to Shareholde.....
* Young illegal immigrants coming out - Covingt.....
* Pryor, Boozman seek sustained work for Pine B.....
* Senate confirms new federal judge for Illinoi.....
* The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and Fa.....

* Congress Attempts To Sneak Tax Increase Into .....
* Senate confirms new federal judge for Illinoi.....
* Congress runs for wounded warriors - Thehill......
* NATO protesters to be greeted with deafening .....
* The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network Celebr.....

* Ald. Cappleman On CAN-TV Tonight
* Minimum wage hike passes Senate Exec along party lines
* Lawmakers Call for Hearing on Red Light Camera Bill
* Cartoon: Pimping Gay Marriage
* Pension payment shift could cost local IL governments millions
* Kinzinger discusses F-22 issues on CNN
* Illinois Swamped With Foreclosures
* Protesters Call For Eviction Moratorium (VIDEO)
* Democrats, Obama Campaign Pull In $43.6 Million Last Month
* Op-Ed: Farm Bill Could Sow Seeds For Obesity


* Update: Strip club surcharge amendment passes committee, heads to Senate floor
* Illinois Senate President talks Medicaid (VIDEO)
* State Honors Older Adults in Observance of Older Americans Month - State surveys older adults about maintaining activity and civic engagement
* Simon: Advocates, industry compromise on strip club bill - Club fees would help restore cuts to rape crisis centers
* IDES Director Jay Rowell Statement Following Federal Sentencing of Roberto Cisneros for Mail Fraud Related to Nearly $500,000 in Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Claims

Header Photo...
Wayne Bretl


Hosted by MCS    SUBSCRIBE to Capitol Fax      Advertise Here      Mobile Version    Contact Rich Miller