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.


* Question of the day
* *** UPDATED x1 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: Campaign updates and a Statehouse roundup
* And here comes the blowback
* Poll: Half of Illinoisans want public employees to pay more for pensions - Half approve of gaming expansion
* Governor Flatline
* Hit them where it really hurts
* 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

* Apple sues Samsung over autocorrect, other iOS patents
* Samsung Galaxy Note comes in Berry Pink
* Apple sues Samsung in Germany again
* Improve Your Writing by Avoiding These Twenty Common Grammar Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes [Writing]
* Netflix and Hulu looks to Mother Russia
* Kickstarter comes of age as a big-time funding platform
* Localized YouTube headed for Chile and Peru

  
* Acer CloudMobile set to debut at Mobile World Congress
* Save the Planet: Green Apps for Eco-Minded iPhone Owners
* Free app downloads NASA photos for changing Android backgrounds
* Phones4U Looks to Make Upgrading Every Two Years Obsolete
* MWC 2012 Media Preview: LG Revolutionary Smartphones
* Smoked by Windows Phone lands in California!
* iOS Surpasses OS X in Share of U.S. Web Traffic

* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/2jLShBzu - White Sox sign ex-USC QB Mustain: ..
* Reading Room: White Sox give former college QB a shot
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/yNvrT72i - Report: Sox sign former Hog, USC Q..
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/pBtg4FTi - Sox sign former star QB Mustain to..
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/yNvrT72i - Is the White Sox farm system impro..
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/pBtg4FTi - Ozzie backs LeBron, but heart stil..
* BR_WhiteSox: http://t.co/yNvrT72i - Behind John Danks' poor start to 2..


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


* Quinn still unpopular in Illinois, Tribune poll fi....
* Quinn: Caterpillar decision about port access - Ch....
* Gov. Quinn says lack of sea port is what pushed Ca....
* Ill. gov: Caterpillar decision about port access -....
* Poll: 54 percent disapprove of Quinn's performance....
* Poll: 54 percent disapprove of Governor Pat Quinn'....
* Missouri, Illinois make plans for bank settlement ....
* Poll says 54 percent disapprove of Gov. Quinn's pe....
* Gov buys lottery ticket for $310M game - WJBC..
* Many fear spread of red light cameras - Jacksonvil....


* Ill. to start Medicaid fraud checks without US OK
* Chicago's MCA debuts 1980s exhibit
* State says Ill. walnut trees threatened by fungus
* Komatsu to add 100 jobs in Peoria
* Poll: 54 percent disapprove of Quinn's performance
* Chicago-made Oscars please passengers, land in LA
* Poll says 54 percent disapprove of Gov. Quinn's performance
* City reaches $6.2 mil settlement in 2003 Chicago protest lawsuit
* Mayor Emanuel seeks statewide gun registration
* Corn Products gets Q4 profit boost from sales, accounting gain

* Poll: 54 percent disapprove of Quinn's performance
* Quinn to Obama: Illinois moving ahead on Medicaid fraud crackdown
* Illinois businesses to aid schools in technology, math
* Quinn attending state police events
* Senator says she will introduce legislation on Cellini leases
* Quinn: Caterpillar decision to bypass Illinois about port access
* Chicago mayor wants gun registration throughout Illinois
* Attorney general: Homeowners can seek hotline after settlement
* State may restrict drivers' cell use
* Director: College Illinois! to stay afloat, even if that means taxpayer bailout

* Video: ISU's Bowman on MAP expansion
* Video: Lawmakers mull police recording law
* Bill would make it legal to record IL cops in public
* IL college chiefs back Quinn call for more MAP money
* Video: Illinois' pre-paid tuition troubles
* Director: College Illinois! to stay afloat, even if that means taxpayer bailout
* Lawmakers still skeptical of Quinn facilities-closure plan

* ADM cutting half of Iowa plant's staff
* Former OptionsExpress CEO, Fisher, leaving Schwab
* Kraft taps 'golden voiced' man to deliver messages of love
* Loan delay threatens First Solar plant sale to Exelon
* Caterpillar's move to skip Illinois for new plants mainly about lack of sea ports, Quinn believes


* O’Hare Airport joining pre-check screening program
* Wheeling man to be sentenced in erectile-pump case
* Construction worker falls into lake, pulled out by co-workers
* Woman charged in wrong-way Lake Shore Drive crash
* Illinois to get $1B in mortgage deal
* Boutique owners say smells from barbecue joint are smoking them out
* Conner on Obama playlist: From Jennifer Hudson to the Boss to Aretha to ELO to Ledisi
* U of I prof to governor: End Champaign’s ‘orgiastic defilement of Saint Patrick’
* Eleven inmates released by county despite immigration detainers have reoffended
* Prosecutors: Man stabbed Naperville teacher, sipped beer then walked away


* Cardinal adds voice against contraceptive rule: 'We cannot -- we will not -- comply'
* Worker dies after being shot during robbery at Subway shop in Ukrainian Village
* Thieves steal $500K in jewelry after busting through wall of Lincoln Park store
* 160 gallons of fuel leak from plow truck at O'Hare
* Woman pulled from Lake Michigan by coworkers
* Cops: Boy, 9, rescues younger brother from stranger danger
* $500K in jewelry stolen in Lincoln Park burrowing heist
* 3 trying to foil car theft shot, 4 held for questioning
* Several questioned after 3 restaurant workers shot trying to foil car theft
* Worker shot during robbery at Subway shop in Ukrainian Village


* Chicago Police Department Pull the Plug on City Sticker
* U.S. Government seals $25 billion mortgage settlement
* Illinois to get about $1 billion in national mortgage settlement
* Weekender with Alison Cuddy
* The Morning Drive Podcast: Friday
* Snow and frigid temperatures roll in
* Sheriff decries immigration detainer ordinance
* LSC members sue Chicago school board to stop school closings
* Chicago Auto Show opens to public today
* Live Music Thursday: Julie Frost performs 'Mary's Song'

* Jury awards $1.25M in fatal shooting by off-duty officer
* Exelon ratchets up pay for CEO John Rowe
* 1 Chicago cop sues another over alleged Facebook defamation - Chicago Tribune
* Quinn still unpopular in Illinois, Tribune poll finds
* 'No damned way': Metro-east lawmakers plan to fight hard against proposed gun registration - News-Democrat


* Pujols returns to St. Louis area for funeral
* Our Opinion: Don't dismiss downtown hub dream
* School custodian alleges hate crime
* Illinois museum expands exhibit on black soldiers
* Durbin backs bill to require TV in U.S. Supreme Court
* Illinois businesses to aid schools in technology, math
* 1 arrested after fight at restaurant
* Quinn attending state police events
* Man reportedly clocked at 93 mph
* Scrap metal stolen from residence


* Waterloo sophomore is author at 15
* Durbin backs bill to require TV in high court
* Illinois museum expands exhibit on black soldiers
* US cosmetic surgeries increase 5 percent in 2011
* Energy assistance money is still available


* Sharply colder air to spread southeastward
* 'No damned way': Metro-east lawmakers plan to fight hard against proposed gun registration
* Gas tax increase uncertain in Iowa, Senate leader says
* Provena event focuses on heart health
* Durant appeals principal firing decision to Iowa Supreme Court
* Poll: 54 percent disapprove of Quinn's performance
* Teacher accused of sex crimes resigns
* Compromise expected to be announced on birth-control issue
* Man faces multiple charges after police chase
* AP sources: Obama revamping birth control policy

* Senate Democrats Split From White House On Co..
* Area GOP congressmen revolt over pending tran..
* GOP Freshmen Hone Their Message - NationalJou..
* Fox Jerk Wishes Rachel Maddow Had Never Been ..
* White House To Provide Clarification On Birth..
* Moderate Republicans Spotted in the House? - ..
* Chamber Misuses Report, Misleads Voters - Fac..
* IRS paperwork burden on card payments targete..
* IRS paperwork burden on card payments targete..
* Evangelical group supports mercury rules - UP..

* Durbin backs bill requiring TV in high court .....
* Chicago Schools to Stock EpiPens; States, Fed.....
* Dick Durbin backs bill to require TV in high .....
* Our Opinion: Don't dismiss downtown hub dream.....
* Rockford transit station gets $2M federal boo.....

* Chicago Schools to Stock EpiPens; States, Fed.....
* Blago Amendment’ stopping pensions for the co.....
* Tax Refund Delay - WSIL TV...
* Doctors telling more adults: Get out and exer.....
* Healthy eating, exercise will save lives if o.....

* Why we fight.
* The [Friday] Papers
* Statewide update—Feb. 10, 2012
* Today's quick hits
* Caterpillar Plant Slated For North Carolina, Not Illinois
* School Council Members File Suit To Stop Proposed Turnarounds, Closings (VIDEO)
* LSC press conference
* I can count on you for...
* Senator says she will introduce legislation on Cellini leases
* Pick “The Vow” or “Safe House”, not “One for the Money” for Valentine’s Day


* Sandoval fights to make public universities more accessible and affordable
* Emanuel pushes statewide handgun registry
* Figures show enforcing Medicaid residency requirement could save millions
* CAT bypasses Illinois, cites concerns about business climate, fiscal health
* Illinois among the worst state for job seekers, retirees

Header Photo...
Wayne Bretl


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