Article updated: 1/22/2013 8:13 AM

Illinois shining today, but political limelight soon could wane

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A woman holding a U.S. flag stands for a photograph with a cardboard cutout of President Barack Obama is displayed in front of the Capitol building ahead of the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013.

Associated Press

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Al Larson

Terry Link

Cristina Castro

Lauren Beth Gash

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Illinois will have another moment in the limelight Monday as President Barack Obama, a Chicagoan, is sworn in for a second and final term. State Democrats better enjoy it now. The reflected glow — and some of the political perks that come with it — will fade as the chattering soon will be about the next nominee from somewhere else. “Illinois is not going to be in the forefront like it was in the last four years,” said state Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat and friend of Obama.