Demand high for Obama inauguration tix

CHICAGO, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Staffers for Illinois' congressional delegation say demand from voters for tickets to U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration is overwhelming.

Constituents say Obama's Jan. 20 inauguration in Washington will be a historic event and they are pouring in requests for tickets to the events by the thousands, officials told the Chicago Tribune Saturday.

"Constituents want to be in Washington and witness history," Kenneth Edmonds, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr, D-Ill., told the newspaper. "No one should be surprised. It's a reflection of the extraordinary enthusiasm President Obama's candidacy has unleashed."

"It's crazy," added Sharon Jenkins, a spokeswoman for Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill. "We're in a unique moment in U.S. history. Every day under Obama's administration is a first, and people want to be a part of it."

Inauguration event tickets are free and are distributed through members of the incoming Congress, the Tribune said. The ceremonies include a morning worship service, the procession to the Capitol, the swearing-in ceremony, an address from Obama, a parade and various inaugural balls.