Change of Forecast in Illinois Race for Governor?

Voters are headed to the polls today in Illinois for primary elections -- or at least they're supposed to be. As Taegan Goddard points out a snowstorm is hitting much of the state, which may cause turnout to go from minuscule to microscopic. For example, in Springfield, the state capitol, the forecast calls for blizzard conditions.

Going into today, State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka was supposed to have the edge for the Republican nomination for governor. If she wins, Topinka, a moderate, is expected to provide a serious challenge to Governor Rod Blagojevich in the general election.

The question now is whether the weather will give an advantage to one of her conservative challengers, most likely businessman Jim Oberweis. If Oberweis supporters feel more strongly about their candidate than Topinka backers, they may be more likely to trek to polling places in the snow, leading to an upset. We'll know this evening.