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TechnographMr. Smith goes to Springfield?
Calabrese to challenge incumbent Jakobsson, hopes to offer young, fresh voice in state house
By Katie O'Connell
Posted: 6/16/08 Section: News
At just 21 years old, he seems like an unlikely candidate for state representative. Yet this fact doesn't bother Frank Calabrese, a senior in LAS, who has just hit the campaign trail vying for a seat in Springfield.
Despite his latest political endeavor, Calabrese said he does not consider himself to be the typical politician.
"I've always been a history buff and a news buff, and I guess that's just the natural progression," Calabrese said. "I've never considered myself a big political guy, but if you follow the news and you're interested in history, you just naturally get into it."
His interest in running for state representative for the 103rd district came early in his junior year after talking to state rep. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), who Calabrese said encouraged him to run under the Republican ticket.
After a bid for Illinois Student Senate president fell short in April, Calabrese turned his attention to the state representative position, but he wasn't able to begin campaigning until recently.
Champaign firefighter Pat Devaney filed a complaint about Calabrese's candidacy, claiming that he had not filed the necessary documents in time. On May 30, the Champaign County Electoral board denied the objection, a move that officially put Calabrese on the ballot.
"It was a good thing," Calabrese said about the trial. "It helped establish my credibility. The Democrats threw everything they got at me."
Central to Calabrese's campaign is the University of Illinois, which he said has gotten "the short end of the stick" when it comes to funding. Calabrese critiqued his opponent, Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana, saying she hasn't done an adequate job lobbying for funds for the University.
Jakobsson disagreed, citing her work as vice-chairperson of the Higher Education Committee and as a member of the Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations, Higher Education Appropriations as signs of her commitment to the University.
Despite his latest political endeavor, Calabrese said he does not consider himself to be the typical politician.
"I've always been a history buff and a news buff, and I guess that's just the natural progression," Calabrese said. "I've never considered myself a big political guy, but if you follow the news and you're interested in history, you just naturally get into it."
His interest in running for state representative for the 103rd district came early in his junior year after talking to state rep. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), who Calabrese said encouraged him to run under the Republican ticket.
After a bid for Illinois Student Senate president fell short in April, Calabrese turned his attention to the state representative position, but he wasn't able to begin campaigning until recently.
Champaign firefighter Pat Devaney filed a complaint about Calabrese's candidacy, claiming that he had not filed the necessary documents in time. On May 30, the Champaign County Electoral board denied the objection, a move that officially put Calabrese on the ballot.
"It was a good thing," Calabrese said about the trial. "It helped establish my credibility. The Democrats threw everything they got at me."
Central to Calabrese's campaign is the University of Illinois, which he said has gotten "the short end of the stick" when it comes to funding. Calabrese critiqued his opponent, Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana, saying she hasn't done an adequate job lobbying for funds for the University.
Jakobsson disagreed, citing her work as vice-chairperson of the Higher Education Committee and as a member of the Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations, Higher Education Appropriations as signs of her commitment to the University.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Graduate student
posted 6/16/08 @ 10:07 AM CST
So, how long has this kid been paying taxes?
Give me a break; we need people who have a little more than a highschool deploma and "dreams" as our representatives. (Continued…)
Undergraduate Student
posted 6/17/08 @ 1:23 AM CST
His youth aside, using The History Channel and CNN as your reasons for running for office is completely ridiculous.
"I've always been a history buff and a news buff, and I guess that's just the natural progression. (Continued…)
mike m
posted 6/18/08 @ 1:13 PM CST
Jakobsson is such a do nothing Madigan shill that she drives me crazy. I will not be supporting her again. She has done nothing for the community and nothing for the school. (Continued…)
John Schumer
posted 7/02/08 @ 1:50 AM CST
Why does this qualify as news?
And Frank didn't turn his attention to the Rep. seat after he lost his bid to be Senate Pres. HE WAS TRYING TO GET THE CHAMPAIGN COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY TO SLATE HIM LONG BEFORE THAT!
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