103rd House District: Jakobsson wins 4th term
By: Mike Monson
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
URBANA – Urbana Democrat Naomi Jakobsson was cruising late Tuesday to a fourth term as state representative in the 103rd House District.
Jakobsson, 67, was outdistancing University of Illinois senior Frank Calabrese, a Republican, by close to a 3-1 margin in the district, which takes in much of Champaign-Urbana.
She said while watching returns roll in that she was pleased by the voter mandate.
"I really try to serve the constituents," she said. "When they call the office and need services, we don't ask what their party affiliation is. We just take care of the situation."
Jakobsson said her top priority during the next two years will be to fight to secure adequate funding for the University of Illinois, Parkland College and schools in general.
Work on environmental legislation will be another top priority, she said, saying she plans to introduce legislation to ban toxic chemicals in children's toys and products.
The 103rd District includes most of Champaign-Urbana, except for southwest Champaign and most of Savoy. The district also includes some rural areas to the north, east and south of Champaign-Urbana.
Calabrese, a 21-year-old Champaign resident, said he recognized his long-shot chances of winning in the solidly Democratic-leaning district became even longer when Barack Obama won the Democratic presidential nomination.
"When Barack Obama became the nominee, I had to reduce my expectations," he said. "This district is made for him. It's centered around campus, it has a significant African-American population.
"I gave it a good shot, and it was a lot of fun," he said.
Calabrese, who grew up in Gurnee, said he will eventually pursue getting a law degree after he graduates this year. He's a history major.
"I'm a 21-year-old kid, and I have a lot of my life in front of me," he said. "I think it's great a 21-year-old kid got endorsed by the Chicago Tribune."