By Sean Crawford, Illinois Public Radio
Springfield, Ill – Barack Obama plans to announce his presidential bid on the steps of the old State Capitol in Springfield.
Speculation has been rampant in Springfield since Obama first let it be known it would be the starting point for his campaign.
A State of Illinois spokesperson says Obama's staff made contact with them asking to hold his February 10th announcement at the Old Capitol building downtown.
With bad weather, Obama would go inside for his speech if it's raining or extremely cold. In that case, the Prairie Capitol Convention Center a couple of blocks away would be the site.
Obama's spokesperson refused to comment on a location.
As with anyone who uses a state historic site, Obama will have to pay a rental fee for the Old State Capitol.
The visit to Springfield will be on February 10. The old Capitol was where Abraham Lincoln gave his famous "House Divided" speech.