OBAMA'S INFLUENCE

Who could imagine in February that Barack Obama would be such a heavy favorite for election that he's diverting his campaign funds to help several other Democrats? Lynn Sweet in the Chicago Sun-Times reports Obama has:

*Helped raise $850,000 for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

*Donated $100,000 directly to the DSCC on Sept. 30, the end of the third-quarter reporting period.

*Donated $125,000 ($25,000 each) to the Colorado, Wisconsin, Alaska, South Dakota and Oklahoma Democratic parties on Sept. 30. Control of the Senate hinges on the outcome of close races in these states.

*Donated $25,000 to Florida Victory 2004, to bankroll get-out-the vote operations in a swing state that may prove decisive in the presidential election.

*Raised $260,000 for Senate candidates in 13 states.

*Raised $25,000 for Iowa state House and Senate candidates in Davenport on Monday.

*Headlined a Sept. 22 fund-raiser to collect $75,000 for the marquee House race in Illinois, where Democrat Melissa Bean is challenging Rep. Phil Crane (R-Ill.) in the northwest suburban district.

Obama's not only a wonderful story and the opportunity for real progressive change in the Senate, but clearly a powerful force who will shape the national party in this and future years.