Obama License Plate Sales Shatter Record

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Special Illinois license plates featuring Barack Obama have set a record, and officials expect sales to keep going strong.

Illinois sold more than 1,800 of the Obama license plates during a 60-day period this spring. The secretary of state's office says the previous record was 800 plates featuring the Illinois Police Association.

The plates were official but temporary. They've expired now, but the state is still selling them solely as memorabilia.

A spokesman for Secretary of State Jesse White says the $50 plates are now attracting buyers from around the country and as far away as Germany.

Proceeds benefit Illinois libraries, which have so far collected more than $70,000 from Obama plate sales.

-ASSOCIATED PRESS