CHICAGO | That Barack Obama used his favorite son status and message of change to thump Hillary Clinton in Illinois, a state that once was the heart of Clinton country, wasn't a surprise to state Rep. David Miller.
In the weeks and days leading up to Tuesday's primary, the Lynwood Democrat saw no indication that things would turn out any other way.
"Barack showed his ability to build a broad base of support, and I would commend him for not taking us in Illinois for granted. The fact he is here now celebrating shows that," said Miller, who won his uncontested race for the 29th District.
Familiar with Obama's work within the state, Miller spent time in South Carolina prior to the state's primary last month and saw firsthand how the senator's message played to those far outside the Land of Lincoln.
"(Barack) showed there he is able to extend his message beyond racial and demographic divides ... and state boundaries," Miller said.
Obama bested Clinton in practically every category Tuesday, according to exit polling for The Associated press. Whether voters were male or female, old or young, worried about the economy or angry over Iraq, Obama came out ahead.
Clinton spent almost no money contesting the state and hoped to pick up a few delegates that would move her closer to capturing the Democratic presidential nomination.
But instead, Illinois offered an extreme example how Obama's personal charm and ability to translate his message into huge fundraising success has turned into an obstacle that allowed him to survive when all other challengers to Clinton have dropped out.
And in Illinois, he didn't just survive. He thrived.
"I have nothing against Hillary, but like (Obama) said, it's time for a change," said 28-year-old Calumet City resident Jamall Patrick. "To me it seems like he's fair and will be open to everybody not just one race. Maybe he'll stop the war."
Of course the same sentiment was on the minds of Patricia Arambula, a 43-year-old Lansing resident who voted for Clinton. And that goes toward showing a real enthusiasm among Illinois Democrats, who generally feel they're choosing between two good candidates, said Richard Winkel, a former state senator and now adjunct law professor at the University of Illinois.
"That's a lot different than the Republicans," said Winkel, a Republican. "We're struggling to figure out who to endorse, and there's some real bitterness ideologically."
John McCain won GOP voters who have a long track record of favoring moderate candidates, and exit polls showed him not only easily beating Mitt Romney among voters who are unhappy with the performance of President Bush, but also leading among Bush supporters.
In Illinois, most Republicans who have won statewide victories were moderates on social issues like abortion and gay rights -- positions to the left of both McCain and Romney.
But political experts said McCain's reputation as something of a maverick who is open to working with Democrats matched up well with Illinois Republicans.
