Obama sets up fund for Democrats
Analysts say the political action committee signals the senator's ambition for a larger role.

By CHRIS KAERGARD, Register Star Springfield Bureau
1/26/05

SPRINGFIELD -- U.S. Sen. Barack Obama took a step toward raising his national political profile Tuesday by forming a political action committee to raise money for other Democrats in Illinois and around the country.
Obama's PAC, called Hope Fund, will give Obama more leeway to raise money than he has with his existing campaign committee, said Ron Michaelson, an expert in campaign finance, and David Axelrod, a consultant for Obama.
Gene Callahan, a longtime observer of Illinois politics, said the move signals Obama's ambition for a larger national role, even while he represents Illinois on Capitol Hill. Robert Gibbs, Obama's spokesman, could not be reached for comment.
"I think the essence of politics is to help your friends when you ethically can," said Callahan, who was chief of staff for former U.S. Sen. Alan Dixon, D-Ill.
"No one in his right political mind asks for a political quid pro quo, but on the other hand, you never forget friends who help you."
The state's newest U.S. senator has been in office for just three weeks, but he set the groundwork for a higher national profile during his campaign last year.
After speaking to the Democratic National Convention in July, he was heralded as a party superstar. And during his race against Republican Alan Keyes, he kept busy campaigning for Democrats around the country, including presidential contender John Kerry.
But the Illinois Republican Party was quick to criticize Obama's move.
"We would hope Mr. Obama would focus his time and energy representing the residents of Illinois, not looking forward to his next run for office," said party spokesman Jason Gerwig. "We'd like to see him focus on being a senator, not a celebrity."
Democratic political consultant Peter Giangreco countered that Illinois is likely to benefit by Obama's expanded reach.
"Every senator Barack can help is open to his views on how to help Illinois," Giangreco said, adding that Obama is likely to spend plenty of money from the PAC on candidates in Illinois.
Tim McAnarney, another Democratic consultant, added that such committees aren't unusual in today's day and age. He said that to be effective in Washington, a lawmaker simply must have a PAC.
"I don't think he's trying to further any ambition, but is using his unique position to advance issues other Democrats would," he said. "But they don't have the media spotlight right now that he does."
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