Illinois leglislature approved a plan by state Democrats to move up the presidential primary election, in an effort to boost candidate Barack Obama's chances of gaining the party's nomination.

The state Senate voted to change the primary from March 20 to February 5, and easily passed 48-10. It will now go to Governor Rod Blagojevich, who has already pledged to sign it into law.

Supports of the effort claim that it is not only an effort to help Obama, but that they also believe that the state of Illinois should play a bigger role in determining the presidential nominees.

Obama's mentor, Senate President Emil Jones, sponsored the legislation hoping to get him an early victory in a big state.

Republicans have already started complaining, insisting that moving the date would extend an already long and wearing election season, and significantly increase the cost of conducting a campaign.