Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is getting some help from a leading Illinois Republican -- and other Republicans aren't too happy about it.

State Senator Kirk Dillard has often talked about how much he respects Obama from their time together in the Legislature.

Now he's saying it in a new Obama campaign commercial. In the ad, Dillard says Obama's bipartisan approach would "serve the country very well."

Illinois Republican chairman Andy McKenna says he's disappointed by Dillard. Doug Ibendahl of the group Republican Young Professionals calls it a disgrace.

Dillard isn't just any Republican. He has served on the party's Illinois central committee and was party chairman for DuPage County.

Dillard supports John McCain in the Republican primary. He says McCain and Obama are ethical and independent.