The chance to represent the 103rd congressional district, which includes almost all of Champaign and Urbana, will be contested in the upcoming elections. The incumbent Naomi Jakobsson, D-103, who has represented the district since 2002, is being challenged by local business owner Norman Davis, who won the Republican nomination without opposition. They spoke earlier this week at the College Democrats and College Republicans kickoff meetings.

Naomi Jakobsson (D-103)

Background

Obtained associate’s degree from Parkland College, bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Illinois

Earned master’s degree in teaching English as a second language (ESL) from the University of Illinois

Served as Champaign County Recorder for 12 years

First elected to state assembly in 2002, subsequently re-elected in 2004 and 2006

Voting record

Sponsored legislation (HB 5157) to require that election officials handling absentee ballots be at least 18 years of age

Sponsored legislation (SB 0263) lowering the minimum age of admittance to the University from 15 to 14 years of age

Sponsored legislation (HB 5040) regulating the amount of cadmium in products intended for children’s use

Voted against (SB 3658) a temporary sales tax holiday that created a 1.25 percent reduction in the state sales tax for nine days in August each year

Committee assignments

Chairperson of the Human Services Committee

Vice Chairperson of the Higher Education Committee

Member of the Adoption Reform, Higher Education Appropriations, Elections & Campaign Reform, Environmental Health and Public Policy & Accountability Committees

From the candidate’s mouth

On University funding

“When I talk about the University, I consider it my University. I have taught and worked on this campus … had I not been (in the assembly), there would have been years the University would have faced severe budget cuts.”

On student issues

“I helped pass legislation that clarifies what kind of identification students need to vote … I was able to get the funding for the Lincoln Hall renovation.”

On University corruption

“Interim President Ikenberry was very proactive in assuring that the ethics concerns were addressed, and I am confident the leaders there now will as well.”

Norman Davis, Republican nominee

Background

Champaign resident, moved to Illinois 26 years ago from Michigan

Owner of Lake of the Woods Photographers in Mahomet, Illinois

Forced to close studio due to economic climate

Ran unopposed for Republican nomination

Campaign goals

Perform a forensic audit to track government waste

Curtail worker’s compensation costs for businesses

End statewide corruption

Help universities statewide get funding

From the candidate’s mouth

On the economy

“Right now, we are suffering from one of the worst depressions in the state’s history outside of the Great Depression. Right now, the Democrats enjoy a 40-78 majority in the state house. We’ve lost 700,000 jobs. Last month, we lost 20,000 jobs. What does that mean to you?”

On government corruption

“One man basically runs the state, and that is not Governor Quinn, it’s Michael Madigan … He has given my opponent $2 million, it’s the biggest funder she has … Mike Madigan says jump and almost every Democrat in the house says ‘How high?’”

On the upcoming election

“You can go with what has been going on for years and years and years, but this election is probably the most important election you will be involved in. Ten years before and 10 years from now, this is going to be the most important election.”

Reema Amin contributed to this story.