distinguished guest here today, chief justice lloyd carr meyer, president john culliton, speaker john madigan, leader bill grady, leader jim durkin, attorney general elect bonnie raul, secretary of state jesse like, controller susanna mendoza, treasurer mike rarick, members of the general assembly, members of the congressional delegation. governor pat quinn, governor bruce ratner, and national guard adjutant general richard hayes, to all of you, on behalf of of the people of illinois, i thank you for your service.>> [ applause ] >> ladies and gentlemen, for 200 years, illinois has proudly stood as the beating heart of our republic. a place whose people have high hope, and clear vision. this is where lincoln found the metal to grip a whirring nation in both hands and hold us together. this is where obama came to organize and to witness the courage that runs deep in our communities, and whom he found the fortitude to launch his bid to make history.>> [ applause ] >> this is where the 13th and 19th amendments to the u.s. constitution were first ratified, ending slavery, and guaranteeing a woman'