SPRINGFIELD - If the release of his second book Tuesday and an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show on Wednesday weren't enough to keep Barack Obama's name in the headlines, another top Illinois Democrat is urging his senate colleague to run for president.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said Monday that he hopes the first-term senator from Chicago "seriously considers" making a bid in 2008.

"I've seen the impact he has on people of our state and this nation. He is the most sought-after Democrat in the nation in terms of public speaking appears in red and blue states alike," Durbin said during a stop in Springfield. "He has a way of bridging gaps in America and uniting people."

Durbin's comments came as he campaigned in Central Illinois on behalf of Democratic state treasurer candidate Alexi Giannoulias, who faces Republican state Sen. Christine Radogno on Nov. 7.

While the focus of Durbin's comments was on his support of the political newcomer from Chicago, Giannoulias' candidacy was overshadowed by Durbin's comments on Obama, whom he called a "truly unique politician" with an "engaging style."

"I think if he (Obama) makes the decision to go forward it is going to completely change the complexion of this presidential campaign," said Durbin.

Obama was stumping in Indianapolis Monday on behalf of three Democrats seeking to unseat incumbent Republican congressmen.

He called Durbin's comments "flattering."

"My focus is on this election right now and will continue to be," Obama said. "The day after I was elected to the Senate, somebody asked me if I was going to be running in '08. This is the day after. I hadn't been sworn in, didn't know where the bathrooms were in Congress, so I told them it might be a little premature for that. So far there's nothing that's changed my mind, but I'll promise I'll let you know if it does."

The latest urging comes as Time magazine is featuring Obama on its cover, accompanied by an article speculating on his rapid ascension to the forefront of the national political scene.

Obama's second book "The Audacity of Hope," hits bookstores Tuesday and the 45-year-old lawyer will be signing the book at an appearance at a downtown Chicago bookstore that day.

He also is scheduled to appear on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" on Wednesday.

Durbin said Obama shouldn't wait until 2012 to run for president because it could slow the momentum he's generated since serving as the keynote speaker at the Democratic national convention in 2004. Durbin dismissed concerns that Obama is too inexperienced to run.

"I have found him to be approachable and very intelligent and trying to find way to solve problems in practical terms. I think people like that," said Durbin. "He has a way about him."

Patrick Guinane of the Lee News Service Indianapolis bureau contributed to this report.