Changes

==Politics==

==Politics==

Illinois can be viewed as having a more [[liberal]] concentration in the northeastern portion of the state. This is often attributed to the large metropolitan area surrounding [[Chicago]].  In contrast, the southern and western portions of the state are typically more [[conservative]].  With the state capitol being in Springfield, there is political tension about state lawmakers who spend too much of their time in either Chicago, Champaign-Urbana, or Springfield.

Illinois is not only the nation’s leading pumpkin producer, but also its leading pumpkin processor. Libby's plants 5,000 acres of Dickinson Select pumpkins each year in and around Morton, Illinois. Morton, where 80 percent of the world's canned pumpkin is packed at the Libby's factory, is known as the "Pumpkin Capital of the World." The town hosts an annual Pumpkin Festival to celebrate the start of the pumpkin canning season. Illinois is a leading producer of [[soybeans]], [[corn]] and [[hogs]].  

The population distribution has led Illinois to lean politically to the [[left]] in most recent non-local elections.  Many consider Illinois to be a liberal stronghold, especially in regard to [[presidential]] elections.

The population distribution has led Illinois to lean politically to the [[left]] in most recent non-local elections.  Many consider Illinois to be a liberal stronghold, especially in regard to [[presidential]] elections.