SPRINGFIELD - A top Illinois fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards says moving the state's 2008 primary election to boost U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's chances is a bad idea.

David Dorris, a trial lawyer from McLean County, said Thursday that a proposal floated Wednesday by House Speaker Michael Madigan "just doesn't sound right to me."

"There's something that just strikes me that it's not right to manipulate the date for one specific candidate," said Dorris, who has hosted a number of big-dollar fundraising events for Edwards, a former senator from North Carolina.

Madigan, who also is chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party, suggested that Illinois should bump its 2008 primary date from March 18 to Feb. 5. He said the move would help Obama build momentum if he decides to run for the White House.

The earlier date would put Illinois on track to hold its primary election after Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

Otherwise, the winner of presidential primary sweepstakes could be decided by the time Illinois traditionally holds its primary in the latter part of March, Madigan said.

Obama has not formally announced his plans to run for president, but a spokesman said he welcomes a change in Illinois' primary date.

"Obviously, Sen. Obama is working through his decision whether or not to run for president. But he is proud Illinois can play a larger role in determining the nominee in 2008," said spokesman Tommy Vietor.

Dorris and his family have contributed more than $400,000 to state and federal candidates, including Edwards, Obama and Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who will have to sign off on the proposal if it is approved in the House and Senate.

Blagojevich, who appointed Dorris to a post on the University of Illinois Board of Trustees last year, has indicated he is backing Madigan's proposal.

"We're for it," Blagojevich spokeswoman Rebecca Rausch said Thursday.

University of Illinois at Springfield political scientist Chris Mooney said changing the date could end up hurting Obama in the end.

For example, if Obama wins, but Hillary Clinton polls well in Illinois, it could be interpreted as Obama having weaker-than-anticipated support in his home state, Mooney said.

"Primaries are all about perception and momentum," said Mooney. "It's not a foregone conclusion that moving the date would be a good thing for him."

A Clinton campaign spokesman said the senator from New York was not commenting on Madigan's proposal.

Kurt Erickson can be reached at kurt.erickson@lee.net or 789-0865.