Hillarysworld

One year ago today, Gov. Rod Blagojevich was kicked out of office after landing in handcuffs on charges of trying to auction off Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat.

The ouster played out as the main event to the sideshow of Blagojevich's defiant appointment of Democrat Roland Burris to the same seat amid rancorous calls for a special election to fill it.

But for all the spectacle surrounding the seat, the battle over who will hold it next is coming down to traditional retail politics as primary contests kick into overdrive heading into Tuesday's election.

Both Democrats and Republicans have struggled for attention in a campaign season dominated by heated primaries for governor. And while polls indicate a front-runner for both parties, it is clear other candidates have cobbled together their own bases of support they hope will push them over the top.

For the Democratic candidates, there is little disagreement on issues and more of a concentration on background and style.

The five-candidate field has embarked on a ground game war over the typical voting blocs: women, unions, Hispanics, blacks, reformers, progressive liberals, suburbanites and youths, among others.

This weekend it will be clear where they believe their strongest base resides.

Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, a statewide office holder who started with the best name recognition in the race, is holding a Sunday rally at the Teamsters hall in Chicago, flanked by Democratic officials of all levels.

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