Why do national dems care so much about the Cegelis/Duckworth race?

[Hippo_Tron]

I'm not really picking a side in this race, but here is what I am wondering. I've read that Duckworth has been getting massive fund-raising aid from Kerry, Clinton, Boxer, Clark, as well as Rahm Emmanuel and the DCCC.

I agree with those who have stated that these individuals have the right to support and raise money for whoever they want. That being said, I have a simple question. Why in god's name are they investing so much effort into a primary race? Is it really THAT important that Duckworth beats Cegelis in the primary? Does the fate of the entire democratic party depend on it?

To me it just seems like a better strategy would be for the national Democrats to save the massive fund-raising for congressional candidates when they are running against Republicans, not other democrats in primary races. But hey, what the hell do I know?