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Obama in national stage tonight at Democratic convention

SPRINGFIELD (KRT) - Tacked to a back wall of a storefront, recently converted into a campaign headquarters, is a 3-foot-high map of Illinois topped with black lettering that declares: Obama Country.

The geographical pronouncement seems to be free of boast given that Barack Obama, a 42-year-old Chicago law professor and an Illinois state senator, is all but a shoo-in to become the U.S. Senate's only black member, and only the third African-American senator since Reconstruction.

Those who know Obama best say that after he concludes his keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in prime time Tuesday night, he'll gain serious national attention.

"He is the embodiment of exactly what a 21st-century candidate should be. He crosses all kinds of lines, in part because of the person he is and in part because of his unifying message," said U.S. Rep. Janice Schakowsky, D-Ill., who represents most of Chicago's lakefront communities. "He is an extraordinary man who speaks in an ordinary voice."

Blessed with matinee-idol looks, eloquence and charisma, Obama (oh-BAH-mah), reached the edge of the national stage in March when he trounced six opponents in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat left open when the one-term Republican incumbent, Peter G. Fitzgerald, announced he wouldn't run again.

Among those Obama defeated, with 52 percent of the vote, were a member of a Chicago political dynasty and a multimillionaire who spent more than $29 million of his own money. Obama attracted strong white suburban and rural support as well as black Chicagoans.

Still, the speaking invitation from presumptive nominee John Kerry, who called Obama "an optimistic voice for America," was unexpected.

"I was totally surprised and deeply honored," Obama said on a sweltering day last week at his Springfield campaign office. Though he has been campaigning aggressively, these days it is against no one in particular. His former Republican rival, millionaire Jack Ryan, self-destructed last month when sordid details of his failed marriage came to light.

Easing his lanky frame into a folding chair, the sleeves of his crisp blue shirt rolled to the elbows, his tie barely loosened, Obama said he hadn't hesitated a moment in accepting Kerry's invitation

As Obama campaigns throughout Illinois, his appeal across racial lines is as obvious as it is sincere.

"When I'm in rural Illinois and see some elderly white couple, I see my grandparents. When I watch black girls playing Double Dutch on Chicago's South Side, those are my daughters," said Obama, who with his wife, Michelle, also a lawyer, has two young daughters.

It's probably prudent that Obama isn't banking on his "sure thing" status. According to Jason Gerwig, a spokesman for the Illinois Republicans, who are seeking a new candidate, Obama hasn't had to defend his record.

"His record is liberal and it doesn't gel well with Illinois families," Gerwig said. "We're looking for a vigorous campaign and debate this fall."

But the general election is three months away. Now the focus is on Boston.

"There is no doubt at all that he will do a terrific job," Schakowsky said.

"I was at the White House with a congressional delegation and I reached out to shake hands with the President and he literally jumped back," Schakowsky said, who could see that Bush had misread her 'Obama' button.

"I carefully explained that it was Obama with a 'b'not an 's,' and that he was running for senator. The president said, 'I don't know him.' After Tuesday night," she added, "he's sure going to know who he is."