Nice to know senators have Twin Cities on map
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
Printable FormatBLOOMINGTON PANTAGRAPH
Opinion
Pantagraph Editorial
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama is living up to his promise to keep grounded and in touch with his constituents in Illinois. He hasn't been seduced by the spotlight that has shined on him since his stellar speech at the Democratic National Convention a year ago and his election in November.
In an editorial following Obama's election, The Pantagraph advised him to "stay in frequent contact with the folks back home," remember he was elected to represent Illinois, "stay humble and share the spotlight" and work with other senators, including Republicans, on areas of mutual interest.
He has done that and more.
Obama has had 26 town meetings across the state in the eight months since his election and more are in the works.
His visit to Normal last week to announce federal highway funding with his fellow senator from Illinois, Dick Durbin, was Obama's second trip to the Twin Cities since his election. The first was a town meeting at Heartland Community College in June.
That may be more trips to Bloomington-Normal than Carol Moseley Braun made during her six years as senator. In fact, Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been to Bloomington-Normal less than a handful of times since his election nearly three years ago.
Durbin is keeping up -- or ahead. Last week's joint appearance was Durbin's third stop in the Twin Cities this year.
As a minority party whip, Durbin is gaining more visibility on the national level. But that makes it all the more important for him to keep in contact with his constituents.
Such visits are important not only to keep elected officials from spending too much time in the rarefied air of Washington, D.C. (or Chicago), but also to give voters an opportunity to directly present their concerns.
No matter how many polls, consultants, direct-mail communication and Web sites a politician has, the personal touch is still important.