Lookit?

The SJ-R quotes Congressman Ray LaHood as saying:

“Lookit,” Rep. LaHood continued. “He's been around politics. He worked in Washington for three years."

LaHood is talking about his son, Darin, who is contemplating running for the seat he (Ray) is vacating at the end of his current term. Fine. More LaHoods in the’hood. But “Lookit”? Is that Peoria slang for “Sure I’m a dumbass, but…”?