Some powerful Democrats in Illinois are backing different candidates in the party’s U.S. Senate primary.

All the candidates have big-time backers: State Sen. Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey), has the endorsement of Illinois Senate President John Cullerton. Former Chicago Urban League president Andrea Zopp has said former U.S. Commerce Secretary and short-lived governor candidate Bill Daley helped convinced her to run.

U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Hoffman Estates), the first Democratic candidate to announce, has the backing of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. He says he respects everyone in the race, and the differences in opinion among top Democrats as to who the nominee should be to take on U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk.

In recent U.S. Senate elections without a Democratic incumbent, contested primaries have been the norm, such as the 2004 race won by Barack Obama which featured seven candidates. Durbin doesn’t think that will hurt the eventual nominee in the general election, as long as Democrats back whatever candidate wins in March.

Cullerton and Durbin were on the same side in the primary in 2010, when both endorsed Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.

In other State news, avoiding buying dangerous toys involves more than checking a list of product recalls.

The annual “Trouble in Toyland” report from the Illinois Public Interest Research Group looks for toys with toxic chemicals or choking hazards which remain on store shelves.

Small parts which a child can swallow tend to be the most common problem. Illinois PIRG director Abe Scarr says parents can use a simple test to determine whether a toy may be trouble for a toddler.

Scarr says some of the concerns outlined in earlier reports have been addressed, like a ban on small, powerful toy magnets which can make a child sick if swallowed. But he also warns that not all toys comply with laws, and some dangerous items may still be on sale.