Follow the Money: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? Part 2

Long before maverick Republican Sen. Peter Fitzgerald decided not to run for re-election in 2004, Obama approached his mentor, Emil Jones, who was preparing to lead a new Democratic majority in the state Senate.

"You're a very powerful guy," Obama told Jones.

"I've got the power to do what?" Jones responded.

"You could help elect a U.S. senator," Obama said.

Jones asked his protege if he had anyone in mind.

"Yeah," Obama replied. "Me."

Obama's ambitions for higher office were an open secret in Springfield, but trying to make the leap to the U.S. Senate seemed a long shot. He was an unknown to most Chicago voters, let alone to those in the rest of the state. His loss to Rush was so lopsided even Obama described it as "a spanking."

He couldn't count on the support of some prominent Black Caucus members, including Hendon. In a recent interview, he said Obama was so ambitious that if the position were up for a vote, Obama would run for "king of the world."

Obama formally announced his campaign in January 2003, more than a year ahead of the primary. Jones, of course, was there. Link, Walsh and Jacobs (see below) also attended, illustrating that his support transcended the black community.

Hendon and Trotter (see below) were a tougher sell. Jones eventually got them to endorse Obama. Hendon said it took "seven or eight" talks with Jones before he finally decided to go along. And, Hendon said, he only did it out of loyalty to Jones.

Obama wasn't expecting the endorsement of either Trotter or Hendon. He asked Jones how he pulled it off.

"I made them an offer," Jones recalled telling Obama. "And you don't want to know."