SPRINGFIELD - The chair once used by President-elect Barack Obama when he served in the Illinois Senate could be destined for a museum.

The swiveling, high-backed leather chair is among items from Obama's Springfield days that are being inventoried with an eye on saving them for the sake of history.

The Chicago Democrat served in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004, before heading to the U.S. Senate.

During his time in Springfield, the Senate chambers underwent a massive restoration, which resulted in the destruction of the desks on the floor, including Obama's. The chairs from that period, however, were saved, and the one used by Obama has been in storage with others.

Cindy Davidsmeyer, a spokeswoman for Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, said the assessment is in the early stages.

"This is very preliminary," Davidsmeyer said.

Also involved in the review is the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which oversees state historical treasurers, including the Old State Capitol, which Obama twice used as a backdrop during his historic campaign for the presidency.

As one guide, officials are investigating what California did after Ronald Reagan became president. He earlier had served as governor of the state.

"We will be looking at what other states did," Davidsmeyer said.

kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865