Politically, Illinois might be split between Democrats and Republicans. But ideologically, the split follows more along geographical lines - Downstate vs. Chicago (and sometimes the "collar" counties).

This can be seen on issues from gun control to school funding.

With the state's power base firmly in the hands of Chicago-area Democrats, it is more important than ever for Downstaters of both parties to work together on their mutual interests.

This area's Republican contingent needs to reach across the aisle, and Democrats should do the same.

Senate Republicans Dan Rutherford and Bill Brady have a higher profile after their campaigns for statewide office: Rutherford as the party's nominee for secretary of state and Brady as a Republican primary contender for governor.

They should use that stature to encourage their party to forge alliances with Downstate Democrats.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich's snubbing of Springfield is larger than his refusal to move into the Governor's Mansion. He also doesn't spend much time in Springfield working with the Legislature, compared to his predecessors.

And it's easy for this Chicago mindset to infiltrate the state agencies under Blagojevich's rule.

It takes more than a brief visit to drop off a check to understand a region's concern. The governor and other constitutional officers are supposed to serve the entire state, regardless of whether the need or received their votes.

Blagojevich won re-election largely because of his strong showing in Cook County. He also did well in most of deep Southern Illinois and the Metro East St. Louis area. But the rest of the state, with few exceptions, belonged to Republican Judy Baar Topinka.

Chicago-area Democrats swept all the constitutional offices and the leaders of both branches of the Legislature also are Chicago Democrats.

Fortunately, the Legislature hasn't been in lockstep with the governor on every initiative, despite the majority being from the same party.

Unfortunately, the governor has found methods to circumvent the Legislature when he doesn't get his way - such as directing funding to stem-cell research and imposing "junk food" rules on schools.

The Chicago-centric government could lead to Downstate concerns getting little or no respect, unless lawmakers from south of Interstate 80 - and rural parts of northwestern Illinois - cooperate to serve their constituents.

That means focusing on regional concerns, not just district concerns. It means standing up to party leadership by showing personal leadership.