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Chicago got its "Windy City" appellation not because of its breezy weather, but because of the oratory of its politicians. Well, there they go again. This high-octane political season brings three nationally televised presidential debates and one vice-presidential debate as McCain and Palin, Obama and Biden hit the campaign trail.

Meanwhile, Illinois is hosting a series of seven debates that already have made history. This year marks the sesquicentennial of the famous debates of 1858 between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas and they are taking the show on the road as the "Reunion Tour '08." It is traveling Illinois, recalling the legendary political rivalry of the two men.

Still to come are visits to Charleston, Galesburg, Quincy and Alton, each of which surrounds the event with festivities and has the two debaters on hand not to reenact many hours of high-toned oratory, but with 21st-century-style press conferences in which actors portraying the pair reminisce, wrangle and field questions.

Compare the topics that a century and a half ago interested candidates Lincoln and Douglas as they vied for a seat in the United States Senate. Some, such as civil rights issues, will strike a sadly familiar note.

In 1858, Lincoln became the Republican candidate nominated to run for the U.S. Senate seat held for 10 years by Stephen Douglas, a nationally prominent Democrat. The main issue was slavery and the central question was whether the United States could remain united half-slave and half-free. As Lincoln famously declared on June 16, 1858 as he addressed the state convention of the Illinois Republican Party, "a house divided against itself cannot stand."

The debates began on August 21, 1858 as Lincoln and Douglas climbed onto a wooden platform in downtown Ottawa to launch the agreed-upon series of seven debates that each hoped would propel him to the U.S. Senate.

The ringing words of these seasoned politicians settled over an excited crowd estimated at no less than 10,000, doubling the city's population. A breeze carried the smell of horses, oxen and coal fired-trains that carried flocks of people from nearby states-for the debaters had a national audience, too. Eastern newspapers sent reporters to cover the debate and thousands of people across the country read of the contest.

Catch up with the candidates at Charleston (Sept. 20-21), site of the fourth debate. On Saturday, an all-day festival at the debate site includes pancake breakfast, 4K run/walk that follows part of the original parade route taken by the candidates and tours of the Lincoln-Douglas Museum. An art fair includes 19th-century-style artisans, local artists and period musicians and performers. The Senate candidates will be available in their respective campaign tents to discuss issues. Food will be served by vendors throughout the day. Sunday brings a tour of Charleston's downtown square and historic homes that Lincoln and Douglas visited.

Next up is Galesburg (Oct. 3-5), site of the fifth debate. The weekend will include parade and tours of "Old Main" at Knox College (site of the debate), founded by abolitionist activists 20 years earlier. Originally, as many as 20,000 onlookers braved the wind and cold to hear the debate. Plan a visit to the Underground Railroad Freedom Station. If weather permits take a drive through scenic Knox County and check out entries in the Annual Scarecrow Festival. Plan to have dinner with Lincoln and Douglas.

Head for Quincy (Oct. 11-13), site of the sixth debate and ready with a "Grand Welcome Celebration" to greet the campaigners as they arrive at the site of the former Quincy Railroad Depot. Join the rally as the candidates are paraded through town. Events included the dedication of the newly refurbished Lincoln-Douglas debate site in Washington Park. Enjoy music, entertainment, food and special programs all weekend.

In Alton (Oct. 17-19), site of the seventh debate, festivities begin with a "Dinner with Lincoln and Douglas" featuring dishes made from authentic recipes served at Lincoln's table. The "Living History Tour" features docents relating stories of Alton's past at seven different Lincoln and Civil War sites. Several scenic tours are offered, including "Segway 101," a "glided tour" alongside the Mississippi River aboard one of the two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicles now popular with big-city police forces.

Although Lincoln won the popular vote, he did not win the Senate seat because-before the 17th Amendment provided for direct election of senators by voters-state legislature elected senators. The Democrat-controlled Illinois legislature awarded the seat to Douglas.

Lincoln, however, had raised his public profile. By appearing with a nationally known politician and by articulating his arguments so cogently, he had set the stage for a presidential bid in 1860.

George Buss portrays Abraham Lincoln, as he has for two decades, earning national honors. He has performed at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., and at Gettysburg. Tim Connors as Stephen Douglas is a newcomer to his role as the "Little Giant," but has portrayed Franklin Delano Roosevelt and performed in numerous theater productions. Ed Finch portrays naval officer Silas Terry, who escorted Lincoln on April 4, 1865 through Richmond, Virginia, after its surrender. A retired teacher with a doctorate in history, Finch introduces the debaters, moderates press conferences and fields questions.

If you go:

Information: Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition

www.lookingforlincoln.com; Illinois Tourism (800) 2CONNECT,

www.enjoyillinois.com.

Mileage: From Chicago, Charleston is approximately 185 miles south, Galesburg 195 miles west; Quincy 280 miles southwest; and Alton 300 miles southwest.