Obama License Plates an Overdose?

By Marcus Gilmer in Miscellaneous on Feb 15, 2009 8:45PM

Anxious because you haven’t bought anything for your Obamabilia collection in a while? Never fear -- starting Tuesday you can add limited-time license plates bearing the president’s grin to your pile of Obama-emblazoned T-shirts, buttons and key chains. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White unveiled on Friday the $50-a-pair “Illinois Salutes Barack Obama” special-event license plates, which celebrate the “Land of Lincoln’s” connection with the 44th president of the U.S.

The plates are valid on autos until April 17 - at which point they must be removed. Only auto-owners in the state of Illinois may purchase the plates for the first 60 days, but others are free to purchase them as souvenirs after that. About $40 from every pair of plates purchased will benefit the summer reading program at the Illinois Library Association, which is selling the collector’s items on its Web site. Buyers can take a $35 tax deduction for the contribution. The plates will also be on sale at the Chicago Auto Show until Feb. 21.

The special-event license-plate program began in 1980 as a way for organizations to promote special interests, according to a press release from White’s office. An organization may design plates to be displayed on vehicles for 60 days only upon approval by the secretary of state’s office.

Post/Kalyn Belsha
Photo/Illinois Library Association