Barack Obama returned Saturday to the same stage where his quest for the White House began. On the steps of the Old State Capitol building in Springfield, Barack Obama said Joe Biden was his choice for Vice President.

Many across the state of Illinois and from surrounding states stood in line for hours waiting for gates to open in Springfield. Playing cards, eating and just talking about Barack Obama helped pass the time.

"It's overwhelming to realize all that's going on and to be a part of everything that is happening with the election," Peoria District 150 Teacher Lafelta Jones says.

Jones says she wants to take back this experience to the classroom.

"Let them understand what an awesome process this is and how important it is for them to be a part of the process so they will be aware of what's going on," Jones says.

Three busloads of Peoria area folks came to Springfield for the big announcement, including 16 year old Nic Owens, a junior at Morton High School.

"I had no idea all of these people were going to come out. It's great.
I'm so excited it's the happiest moments of my life right now. I've never had any experiences like this with so many people coming together with this one thing," Owens says.

"This is where he announced, this is where he's going to announce his vice presidential candidate. It's going to be very exciting," John Backes from Washington, IL says.

It was a return visit for some, but not in the same conditions.

"It's a little warmer this time around," Obama said when comparing the weather to his presidential announcement in February of 2007.

Warmer yes. But that didn't stop thousands from packing together and to watch a historic moment.

"Year after year Joe Biden has been at the forefront of equal pay for women, affordable college tuition and health care for all.
That's the kind of man I want with me year after year," Obama says.

Thousands of people in Springfield were the first to see the two senators, Senator Joe Biden and Barack Obama on stage together. This will be the last time the two will be together on stage before the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

The speeches made by the two men highlighted Biden's experiences in foreign policy and life.

"I just want to point out there are only four senators who have been there longer than me. There are still 44 that have been there longer than Barack Obama. But in all seriousness," Biden says.

Some Central Illinois residents say they are not disappointed by Obama's pick.

"There's been a lot of talk about his lack of experience and with Joe Biden being his vice president, the small gap in the resume of Barack Obama is filled by Joe Biden. I think it's a very good choice," Jones says.

When Obama made his first appearance at the Old State Capitol he was compeiting with Biden for the democratic ticket. But now, they stand together 19 months later united in their quest for change.