Mark S. Geiger, who has lived in Urbana but says he is now a law student at the University of Chicago, has applied to be Gov. Pat Quinn's running mate.

Geiger, 25, has a bachelor's degree from Kenyon College in Ohio, a master's in materials chemistry from the UI and is a law student at Chicago, hoping to graduate in June 2010.

His application lists a Chicago mailing address, but also says he is registered to vote in Urbana.

Asked why he is a Democrat, Geirger wrote, "Because Republicans only stand for social conservatism. This country was founded on the idea of individual liberty. When the Republicans get into power, despite campaigning to the contrary, the first thing they do is restrict rights. In addition, the Republican platform is increasingly one of anti-intellectualism. Representative democracy only works when intelligent and competent people are in charge of government."

Of the strengths he'd bring to the ticket, Geiger wrote, "I have a science background and I can speak competently about science issues. A pro-science platform that is front and center opens funding from non-traditional sources. In addition, a pro-education platform will get students knocking on doors for the campaign. While young people don't have money to campaign, they do have time and getting them involved to do the dirty work of raising awareness is the first step to getting campaign funds from a wider variety of sources and from ordinary citizens.

"Finally, I'm a fresh face. I have no connectiosn with Illinois corruption or enemies. This ticket needs to get as far away from the taint of Blago as possible."

That, of course, can't happen with Blagojevich's 2002 and 2006 running mate as the Democratic candidate for governor this year.

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