“It’s with great pride and enthusiasm I announce my candidacy for state representative,” began Frank Calabrese, University senior and Republican candidate for the state House’s 103rd district.

Yet Sunday’s official announcement of Calabrese’s candidacy comes after months of debate surrounding its legitimacy.

In April, Champaign firefighter and Champaign County Democrats’ Vice Chair for Labor Pat Devaney brought suit against Calabrese. Devaney claimed Calabrese was ineligible to run because of problems the Republican Party had with filing his certificate of organization.

But the Champaign County Electoral Board denied the objection on May 30, agreeing with Calabrese’s claim that the objection had been filed and was in the mail on the date in question.

“I think that we definitely have substantial compliance, not strict compliance,” said board member Mark Sheldon during the hearing. “And that’s what’s necessary.”

In June, Chicago attorney Michael Kasper filed a request on behalf of Devaney to have the ruling reviewed by the state court. Devaney said that there is no “hidden agenda” in his second appeal against Calabrese’s legitimacy and that he wished for things to be done the right way.

“After this challenge is completely done with, I can kick into full gear,” Calabrese said of his campaign. “Right now because of this challenge it forces me to be in third gear per say.”

Still, other questions remain about Calabrese’s candidacy, particularly of his age – he recently turned 21 – and qualifications.

“I may be a kid, but I have big ideas and I’m willing to listen so I can get the job done in Springfield,” Calabrese said Sunday.

Incumbent Naomi Jakobssen, D-Urbana, said in a previous interview with The Daily Illini that her opponent’s age could be a sign of inexperience.

“I think he had to let people know what his qualifications are, and they can decide whether he’s qualified,” Jakobssen said. “That’s not for me to determine.”