Five things to watch in Illinois Senate Election

Politico
David Catanese
Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Just as the reverberations from the Massachusetts special election have begun to dissipate, another dark blue state plays host to the first primary election of the 2010 cycle: Illinois.

Tuesday’s crowded ballot will test Gov. Pat Quinn’s popularity within his own party a year after he took over the reins from disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich, as well as pare down the field for the surprisingly up-for-grabs U.S. Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama.

Mix in the shadow of corruption that hangs over the state and an unemployment rate above the national average and even the political professionals aren’t sure what to expect.

“I have no freaking idea what’s going to happen Tuesday,â€