ILLINOIS CENTRAL

Someday, someone will make a very entertaining movie about the 2004 campaign for the Senate in Illinois. Some of the draw would be the ascendance of Barack Obama, who could well be on his way to a remarkable career in national politics. Others would watch for the circus atmosphere that surrounded both Blair Hull and Jack Ryan, and the chaos that ensued after the state GOP pushed Ryan off the ballot.

One part could already be cast by a marketable name, though the actress may be reluctant to participate.