AP: Hawaii overshadowed by Chicago for Obama library

[alp227]

HONOLULU (AP) — Not far from these wind-swept shores, Barack Obama was born and raised, soaking in an island sensibility that his family says he's carried with him throughout his journey as president. Yet in the search for a home for his future presidential library, Hawaii is playing the underdog, overshadowed by Chicago and the commanding role it plays in Obama's story.

It's not for lack of trying. A high-level campaign has been underway here since Obama won the Iowa caucuses in 2008 — before it was even clear he'd win his party's nomination, much less the presidency.

From the governor to the state's congressional delegation and local university leaders, Hawaii has spared no effort in laying the groundwork for a potential library, gently pressing Obama's sister and close friends, and setting aside prime oceanfront real estate just in case Hawaii's favorite son chooses Oahu to host the monument to his legacy.

But as the gears start to turn in the Obama machinery that will eventually develop the library, the focus has increasingly turned to Chicago, where Obama was first elected and came into his own as a national political figure. It is a place many of his advisers and staunchest supporters call home.

full: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/quest-obama-library-hawaii-plays-underdog

See also these Chicago Tribune articles:
UIC makes bid for Obama presidential library and museum (Nov. 25, and UIC is the University of Illinois at Chicago)

Pritzker hopes Obama library will be in Chicago (Dec. 12)

And USA Today explored the Chicago vs Hawaii issue last December.

[William769]

2. And how well you know those Libraries!

[mucifer]

3. Did you notice that the Chicago Historical Society Museum has NO

Mention of President Obama in it. It's very odd.

[Cha]

4. Thanks alp..

[Cirque du So-What]

5. From a practical standpoint, I'd have to give the nod to Chicago

Chicago is far more accessible to both scholars and tourists.

[madrchsod]

6. i want chicago because....

i might live long enough to visit it. if not at least my kids and grand kids can.