The Southern - by Caleb Hale - 1/26/2010

CARBONDALE - Southern Illinois University Carbondale College Democrats say they're supporting Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias' chief of staff for the Democratic candidate to replace Giannoulias in the general election. Giannoulias is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Roland Burris.

Robin Kelly of Chicago, who has been Giannoulias' chief of staff for three years, stopped by the Carbondale campus Monday to accept the endorsement. Kelly is running against Justin P. Oberman in the Feb. 2 primary.

College Democrats Vice President Sam Nylen said the group endorsed Kelly based on the work she has done in the treasurer's office. The group is also supporting Giannoulias as the Democratic candidate for Senate.

"We're actually very proud of the work the treasurer's office has done," Nylen said. "We're proud of all the work Robin has done and all that she has accomplished."

Kelly said in her tenure as chief of staff, the treasurer's office has revamped the Bright Start college savings program and enacted measures to protect college students from credit card marketers on campus.

Kelly said she's learned a lot in working with Giannoulias for the last three years and, if elected, has resolved to keeping the commitments Giannoulias started with managing and investing taxpayer money.

"We've been great partners, and we've really done a lot in the last three years," Kelly said.