SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- Super Tuesday is nearly here, and after years of taking a backseat in presidential nominations, Illinois is firmly in the mix in 2008.
But just how super is the Land of Lincoln on the biggest day of this year's presidential primary election?
Those heavily involved in the campaigns here say Illinois is important but acknowledge winning it is not the top prize for the two leading Republicans and two top Democrats vying for their party's nods.
Timing, other important states and Illinois' political reputation have all combined to keep Illinois out of the prime spotlight on Super Tuesday.
The candidates and their top backers insist they want to do well here.
And that's a welcome change for party officials who are used to watching candidates get picked from the sidelines.
(Copyright ©2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKHQA