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UPDATED: Governor, Topinka campaign in Southern Illinois

BY THE SOUTHERN

Monday, November 6, 2006 3:39 PM CST

Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Republican State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka flew into Southern Illinois today for their last campaign stops in the region.

The governor came to Williamson County Regional Airport amid a light rain and told supporters he should be re-elected so he could "keep fighting for Southern Illinois."

Topinka told a crowd at Southern Illinois Airport in Murphysboro that she feels momentum turning her way on the eve of the election. "We are on the verge of the upset of the year," she said.

A Springfield newspaper reported last week that Topinka had pulled within four points of the governor in its poll, a statistical dead heat, considering the poll's margin of error.

Meanwhile, the governor and treasurer had a humorous exchange about the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. 

During a campaign stop in Bloomington, Topinka said: “Maybe he (Blagojevich) ought to run for manager of the Cubs. They’re a bunch of losers too.”

Blagojevich responded: “I don’t mind if she attacks me – that’s up to Treasurer Topinka. But Treasurer Topinka should leave the Cubs alone."