OBAMA TOWN HALL MEETINGS DOWNSTATE -- WAY DOWNSTATE

Sen. Barack Obama will visit the southern horn of Illinois Saturday to host town hall meetings in Union, Saline, Franklin and Jefferson counties. Sen. Obama has hosted 35 town hall meetings since joining the Senate.

From the Southern Illinoisan:

"These town hall meetings give me the opportunity to hear directly from people in Illinois about the issues affecting their lives and how I can help," Obama said. "It also gives me a chance to talk with them about the issues I've been working on in the Senate, like reducing our dependence on foreign oil by increasing ethanol production, making sure Illinois veterans get the disability pay and health care they've earned, and ensuring that the United States takes all necessary steps to prepare for an avian flu pandemic."

After a five-minute speech by Sen. Obama, the floor will be opened for questions.

"This is not a partisan event," said Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor. "Anyone who wants to ask Sen. Obama a question is welcomed and encouraged to attend."

I presume that Sen. Obama's question and answer session will be much more spontaneous than Mr. Bush's recent Q&A.