Jakobbson faces challenge

Just to set this up a little, a 21-year old university student announced he is challenging longtime incumbent State Rep. Naomi Jakobbson (D-Champaign) while standing to declare his intentions this morning before the Alma Mater statue at the University of Illinois - Champaign/Urbana.

Republican Frank Calabrese's announcement speech is worth reading. His words give a perspective from our next generation of the foolishness and childishness so prevalent among our state's current leadership.

Republican Frank Calabrese's announcement speech is worth reading. His words give a perspective from our next generation of the foolishness and childishness so prevalent among our state's current leadership.

Besides the candidate being 21 years old, his campaign manager is a 19 year college student -- Julie Johnson -- who's also raising eyebrows with the professional manner in which she is working with the media to build a campaign that could eventually draw attention statewide.  Johnson worked on the McSweeney for Congress campaign and volunteered for Phil Crane while still in junior high. 

From Calabrese' speech published in its entirety below the fold: 

We are here at the Alma Mater statue, not just a symbol of the University or even Champaign-Urbana, but a symbol of our future, thus the inscription, “To thy happy children of the future, those of the past send greetings.”   This statue that so many of us have seen, walked by, and sat near is an ever-present reminder to respect our past by building a better future.

I am running for State Representative to bring that same spirit to the problems that plague Illinois—respecting the efforts of those who have come before me to build upon their work for a better future for our community and our state.

Photo taken by Daily Illini

“Today with great pride and enthusiasm, I declare my candidacy for Illinois State Representative.

We are here at the Alma Mater statue, not just a symbol of the University or even Champaign-Urbana, but a symbol of our future, thus the inscription, “To thy happy children of the future, those of the past send greetings.”   This statue that so many of us have seen, walked by, and sat near is an ever-present reminder to respect our past by building a better future.

I am running for State Representative to bring that same spirit to the problems that plague Illinois—respecting the efforts of those who have come before me to build upon their work for a better future for our community and our state.

We have a state that is in so much trouble that we cannot get our roads fixed—we cannot even figure a way to accept $9 billion in federal transportation funds because a few Chicago Democrats, the ones to whom my opponent is beholden by the way, can’t get along.  This is crazy—and it doesn’t have to be this way.

While the Chicago Democrats--to whom my opponent is beholden—engage in the petty politics of trying to one-up each other, our community, our region, and our state are suffering. 

We are suffering economic malaise; we are suffering from the lack of investment in our schools, including the Univ. of Illinois; we are suffering from crushing debt that will be visited upon every Illinois family for generations to come if something is not done; and we are suffering from a culture of corruption that has frustrated good government and literally driven hundreds of thousands of good people out of Illinois.

So it’s time for this 21-year old, this “kid” as my opponent has termed me, to teach the so-called adults in Springfield how to behave like adults.

While the media wants to focus on my age as what sets me apart, what actually sets me apart from my opponent and the powers-that-be in Springfield is my perspective.  I am not running for State Representative to cow-tow to machine bosses or to earn another public pension.

My opponent has already cornered the market on those reasons.  Instead, I am seeking this office to offer the citizens of Champaign-Urbana a choice.

We can continue supporting the status quo, the same people and the same policies.  We can re-elect another go-along, get along politician; another brick in the wall that separates the people from their government.   Or we can choose to chart a different course and support a new generation of leaders serious about busting through that brick wall and reforming state government.

My opponent and her Chicago Democrat friends were given chance after chance to do the right thing on the full range of issues: ethics reform, infrastructure investment, education funding, college accessibility; pension funding; and fiscal responsibility.

They have failed.  Across the board, no matter how you measure it, they have failed the families of Champaign-Urbana.

So I put that choice to the voters:  Do you want more of what we’ve been getting from the Rod Blagojevich-Naomi Jakobsson team?  Or are you ready to reject their failed policies and their petty politics and embrace a new generation of leadership? 

My name is Frank Calabrese; my website is www.frankcalabrese.com; and my mission is to bring common sense reforms to Illinois state government.

I want to thank my friends and family for their support.  And I humbly ask the voters of Champaign-Urbana to carefully consider my candidacy as this campaign unfolds in the coming months.”

Comments

Illinois Review has sunk to a new low. Not only are they promoting this circus that is called the Calabrese campaign, it's now become a promotional tool for Dan Proft's assistant, Julie Johnson.

Calabrese, who's claim to fame was lobbying bars in Champaign to serve underage drinkers, is getting play on IR, because they will promote anything to do with Dan Proft.

If you want to cover a clown show, give more coverage to Steve Greenberg, at least his campaign manager is 22!

[Fran]

Ouch, 1:58 . . . a new low to run a Republican against a formerly unchallenged Democrat? The way Barack Obama wormed his way to national fame and fortune through Illinois' corrupt and embarrassing one-party system?

What type of tremendous accomplishments did Rod Blagojevich have in order to become Congressman for the 5th CD and then governor of Illinois? He had and still has a frat boy reputation that was despicable.

Good job, anon -- the Dems are on the job, scouring and scrubbing -- exactly what you're paid to do.

Now go back to protecting your pathetic Democrats who've ruined the state of Illinois and let us proceed with encouraging the next generation to get involved.
Sad to say, but it's the next generation of Republican that produces the real threat to treacherous Democrats. . . not this one.

And one other thing -- we don't promote Dan Proft on IR. Dan Proft promotes Dan Proft.

You need to get your own facts straight.

Not sure who 1:58 is, but have to agree - they can't come up with anyone better than a college student?

The House Republicans have some great candidates this cycle. I'm just surprised that they would pick a 'frat boy' to run. I think you need to be in the real world a bit, before you can go and run for public office.

The promotion of a campaign manager is a bit odd, especially when they haven't won before or had any accomplishments.

[K.G.]

I also agre with 1:58. They should ahve found someone more qualified to run. I find it hard to believe that the Champaign County Republican org doesnt have any1 else who could pull off a campaign.

I understand the want for change but come on, this kid goes back to college in the fall (right?). How is he going to campaign?

As for exposing who is running the campaign, I find that very interesting. From what I recall reading Julie Johnson is Dan Proft's girlfriend not "assistant". Which begs the question, who is really running that race? Dpoes anyone else think that there may be some sock puppetry involved? Is Dan doing any races this cycle or did people finnally realize he is a walking disaster?

I will give the "campaign" props for a well written speech though. Credit given where credit is due. I simply do not see how this campagin could work.

Was Aaron Schock still a student when he ran?

[K.G.]

And 1:58, who is running Greenberg's race?

[jorod]

Ah, the joy of ignorance!!

Rod Blagojevich had a bachelor's degree, a law degree, was an assistant state's attorney, a three term state representative,and a three term congressman before running for governor.

I can't stand Blago, but Calabrese's resume is a joke compared to that, Fran.

Interesting.

Veeneman wasn't let go, he left the campaign to go back to college since he had to drop out to go fight in Iraq. He went back to college and worked for Zinga at the same time. I didn't hear anything negative about him or his leaving. Seems like a smart move to me, we all saw how that campaign ended.

[momo]

If Dan really is dating her all I have to say is "Go Dan". If you've seen her, you can second that

[Fran]

Thanks for that walk down memory lane with Blago, 8:29 . . . so before Blago ran for state rep, he had a law degree and got a job with the Cook County state's attorney -- maybe being married to Dick Mell helped there?

Aaron Schock was 19 when he was elected via write in and 20 when he became school board president of the third largest school district in the state. He ran for state rep shortly thereafter.

I'm not defending Calabrese, I've never met him nor interviewed him, and am not endorsing him. He announced his candidacy today and his campaign notified us. He is notable because of his age and the age of his campaign manager is noteworthy as well.

Had no idea this kind of news would stir such a bizarre reaction . . . talk about eating their young. What harm can this do? The slot was open for a Republican, and Calabrese is going for it. You all need to relax. . .
As for your slanderous comments, 8:29, we're editing it out. Sorry -- won't tolerate that.

[BillZ]

This is probably the most bizarre twist of a post I've seen in awhile.. Let's stick to politics and not to people's personal lives.

I think Frank stands a good chance, he's a likeable guy and a young guy. We need more young people in Illinois getting involved and less establishment candidates.

Good luck to Frank and thanks for the info Fran.

[Jon Zahm]

I have not met Frank or Julia but am impressed with their campaign so far- the materials, the web presence, and the issues discussed.

It is great to have young conservatives working hard and putting another seat in play.

The Illinois conservative movement needs all the energy and excitement it can gather up.

Dan Proft and I have had some differences of opinion in the past, but I credit him for the substance, quality, and quantity of his contributions on WLS and on the Lincoln/Reagan Day dinner circuit around Illinois.

[Pete Speer]

The Democrats must be truly scared. They come on line at IR -- ANONYMOUSLY -- to criticize a Republican conservative with a legitimate platform.

His age makes no difference. His experience -- well all I can say is look at the incumbent against whom he is running. She has been all hat and no cattle as far as I can tell. A creature of the Democrat machines and running unopposed.

Why is it wehen a young Democrat wants to run, he or she is considered an absolute pure marvel, but when a young Democrat wants to run he is merely a callow youth.

And by the way, where is his state Republican support.

Jim Edgar -- Yoda -- down the road in Charleston. Speak louder, I can't hear you. How about throwing some political warchest money Calabrese's way.

Andy McKenna -- oh Great Buddha -- on the Chicago pedestal. You should be jumping for joy. But you never do that unless someone pulls your strings.

Jim Thompson -- the former Governor. You used to be a Republican. How about pasing the hat at that fat cat law firm?

And we wonder why the Party is in dire straits. Those three paper maiche statues are the Party leaders.

Schock and Calabrese represent a bright future, just like the other youngsters who ran two and four years ago and were left without state support for dead -- as dead as our leaders are.

Collin Corbett is running Greenberg's campaign: http://www.greenbergforcongress.com/newsDetail.aspx?newsID=3778

[JimM]

It's funny that so many people can attack Frank and his campaign based solely on the information in his announcement to run, which really is pretty good. I think it is also funny that you compare him to Blago, is Frank running for Governor? Frank has worked on multiple issues on and off campus; he has been elected to student government, and has worked on local campaigns. He really is a pretty smart guy and understands the issues. He does have the support of the people here in the party who work on campaigns.

His opponent has wasted her opportunity to help the district it's time for new blood. I think the fact Frank is getting so much press and the Democrats are trying to kick him off the ballot means something. It will be an interesting election.

[JimM]

Sorry I forgot to thank Dan Proft for helping Frank.

www.frankcalabrese.com

[Miriam Shabo]

For Immediate Release
MIRIAM SHABO FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE 80TH DISTRICT
DEMOCRACY PREVAILS
Illinois 80TH Representative District residents will have a choice on November 4, 2008 despite repeated tries-by-the-Democratic-Party-Leadership to-have-only-one-candidate on the ballot.
It is time for a new direction in Illinois so that we can regain competitiveness in the global economy and bring back to par the living standard of Illinois citizens:
- Education Reform to foster 21st Century opportunities so that every child is well prepared to compete in the global economy
- Business friendly and inviting atmosphere that will attract high tech and other businesses with high paying jobs for the residents
- Energy policy that will attract new high tech research to collaborate with institutions of higher learning to create new viable and affordable energy sources
- Health care delivery reform and affordable quality health insurance
- Judicial reform to truly provide access to justice for every citizen, reduce crime
rate, and turn offenders into productive citizens, thus reducing the extraordinary tax burden on the State and increase revenue streams
Together we can ensure that Illinois is a leader in education, business creation and service delivery to our residents.
For more information or if wish to help, please return the form below or contact Miriam Shabo at 708-798-3258 or mshabo@sbcglobal.net, P. O. Box 1697 Homewood, IL 60430-0697.I can help with:
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hosting candidate coffee at my home ____ writing to news media ___ other _______
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