I still remember the first time I cast a vote for Barack Obama.
It was the March 2004 Illiniois Democratic Primary. I was more excited to vote for Senate than I was for Democratic presidential nominee - I was a Dean supporter, but he was out of it by the time my primary rolled around. I voted for John Kerry in the interests of party unity, but I can't say I was particularly excited about doing so.
But I was really excited to vote for Barack Obama. The Senate primary was hotly contested, but Barack closed strong and won the thing. Later that summer he spoke at the Democratic convention and I remember the pride I felt in seeing my choice for senate give such an amazing speech.
Of course, I strongly supported Barack Obama through the presidental primary. But in the days when he was 30 points down to Hillary, I would tell myself that it wouldn't be so bad if he lost, because we would get to keep him here in Illinois.
Today, he resigns as my senator as he prepares to become our president.
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