Illinois’ newest senator discusses issues with residents

He entered the room like a superstar, and he got a superstar’s reception.

A throng of outstretched hands, waiting to be shaken.

It may be a scene Senator-elect Barack Obama has become used to during his quick ascent in the political world, but he greeted it in Carbondale Friday with a surprising sense of humility.

“This was a people’s victory,” Obama told the group of about 200 gathered in the Carbondale Civic Center. “I want you to know I’m grateful.”

The excited welcome started off an hour-long discussion in which Obama fielded about a dozen questions from area residents involving, among other things, the recent election, the environment and the Southern Illinois coal industry.

The meeting was the last stop on Obama’s “Thank You, Illinois” victory tour, his last tour of the state before he heads off to Washington, D.C.

Despite his freshman senator status, Obama said he would do his best to make his voice heard in the Senate.

“I’m very much the junior senator,” Obama said. “If you work hard and talk about the issues, you can get something done. I have all kinds of legislation bubbling in my head.”

Obama has been a rising star on the political radar since his speech at this year’s Democratic National Convention thrust him into the national spotlight. Running a campaign that focused on education and issues of the middle class, Obama easily trounced Maryland conservative Alan Keyes in the Nov. 2 race for Sen. Peter Fitzgerald’s seat, and Obama now heads to the Capitol with the eyes of the nation watching him.

Responding to a question about the recent presidential race, Obama said there were problems that need to be examined before 2008.

He said President Bush called him to congratulate him on his victory, and even though he and the president don’t see “eye to eye,” he would do his best to work with him.

Still, Obama contended that Bush has some explaining to do in regards to the war in Iraq.

“Now that we’re there, we have to make the best of it,” Obama said. “We have to have an accounting, and the campaign is not over. He needs to give us an answer.”

Obama also discussed the Bush administration’s weak stance on the environment and the constant inflation of education costs, saying he would like to see more money put into the Federal Pell Grant fund.

In response to a question about the possibility of Southern Illinois becoming the home of FutureGen, a proposed power plant that would utilize clean coal technology, Obama said the project is one he deems necessary to a successful revival of the regional economy.

“It’s vital to the coal industry in Southern Illinois,” Obama said. “We’ve got some leverage. This is an important industrial state.”

After the questions ended and Obama held a brief news conference, many people flooded to him to shake hands or pose for pictures.

Shawneetown Mayor Steve Scates, who attended Friday’s meeting and said Obama is a family friend, stressed that the senator-elect’s popularity stems from his respect for people of all demographics.

“When you talk with him, he’s looking at you,” Scates said. “He’s not looking over his shoulder to see who’s next in line. He’s the kind of person I would want to be president. I hope he keeps his head up and keeps gunning for the stars.”

Undergraduate Student Government Senator TyJuan Cratic pointed out that Obama has gained so much popularity because of the optimism of his message and his willingness to discuss it with anyone who cares to ask.

Obama has a tough road ahead of him, Cratic said, but there’s no reason why his star should not continue to rise.

“He kept a positive campaign,” Cratic said. “He addressed the concerns of everyone in Illinois. He did great because people know he will be a great positive influence. There’s a lot of pressure on him, but he can handle it.”