I pay attention to politics also but i have no idea what stands senators from my neighboring states have made.
In fact I didn't know much at all about the history of Clinton, McCain, Kerry, or GW until they announced they were running but then I learned it quick.
Most of America knows little about any candidate usually unless they've come from outside politics like Arnold, Reagan, or Ventura.
When they come on the scene is when most people hopefully learn a little about them and Obama's past is solid.