16 Illinois campaign finance by James L. Merriner  -When it comes to campaign cash, Illinois' legislative leaders call the shots.

22 Q&A: Follow the money by Ed Wojcicki
A conversation with Charles Lewis, author of The Buying of the President. 

26 Fighting for the middle ground by Edward Field  -An international perspective on the role the middle class is playing in
this year's presidential campaign.

28 Labor's comeback bid by Steve Rhodes
Unions have regrouped and galvanized rank-and-file support for candidates
who will push their agenda in Congress and the Statehouse.

32 Rockford'S ethnic Clubs by Jennifer Halperin  -They've survived/or nearly a century.

34 Latino and black suburbanites by Paul Cuadros  -Are the political parties planning ahead?

3 A Conversation With Our Readers
by Ed Wojcicki

4 Editor's Notebook
by Peggy Boyer Long

6 State of the State
by Jennifer Halperin -Politicians put elections first

8 Briefly
by Donald Sevener

39 People
by Jennifer Halperin

42 Letters

45 A View From Chicago
by James Ylisela Jr.  -Chicagoans ignore Springfield

46 Politics
by Charles N. Wheeler III
Will the duck quack this fall?