When Hillary Clinton was growing up in Park Ridge, the town—like most of suburban Chicago—was emphatically Republican. Her youthful slide from right to left previewed by three decades a similar, remarkable shift among Illinois voters. Read more
Hillary Clinton might be the Dems' presidential front-runner, but the trip to the White House makes a stop in Obama Country. Can the hometown girl beat the state's favorite son on what's now his home turf? Read more
In recent years, Chicago has become a tough town in which to get a liquor license. Credit Mayor Daley's strict policies on booze—and enforcement by a stern and obscure bureaucrat. Read more
The Illinois governor’s race is moving into full swing. Here’s a look at the people who are advising, organizing, and speaking for the candidates. Read more
A behind-the-scenes look at the politicking, plotting, and preparation that went into Obama's breakthrough moment Read more
We asked local politicos, prominent commentators, and leading Democratic strategists whether Senator Barack Obama should take a shot at the White House in 2008. Read more
U.S. senator Barack Obama insists he won’t seek higher office in 2008. Read more
From our October 2004 issue: Native Chicagoan Michelle Obama married a skinny kid with a funny name. She’s keeping it real. Read more
Things could not be better for Rod Blagojevich. He loves politics, and he has won every election he has entered (with help from his father-in-law, a clout-heavy alderman). The govenorship is his focus now, he insists, but this look at his personal history suggests he hopes for much, much more. Read more
Yes, he is popular and has done lots of good for the city. But Mayor Daley has plenty of shortcomings, too. If we were running for mayor, here is how we would challenge him. Read more