A tight loss in 2012 for Democrats to Republican Rodney Davis in the 13th congressional district made the University an important stop Sunday for Democratic congressional candidate Ann Callis, who was accompanied by congresswoman and supporter, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-9.

Callis attended a rally organized by the College Democrats at the Illini Union as a part of its first Campaign Invasion, which aims to encourage people to vote in the upcoming Nov. 4 Midterm elections.

Callis, Schakowsky and Carol Ammons, candidate for State Rep. in the 103rd District, spoke to student supporters about how to boost voter turnout by going door-to-door and spreading information about the upcoming election. 

“What gets students excited about this race is that you can make a difference; it could really be that close,” Callis said.

She said she spoke to students at the University about developing Champaign-Urbana in order to create more jobs for university graduates and to retain them in the local area. 

“I think we have a great opportunity … to start drawing out innovators, grow good, green jobs right here and also draw businesses that we have standing now and join them with our University and our innovators so that we create good jobs right here … [This is] so our children graduate from the University of Illinois and raise their families right here,” Callis said. 

She said the economy, student loan grants and Pell grants are the top issues pertaining to University students.

“I really think it’s going to come down to 7 p.m. on Nov. 4,” said Schakowsky.

Charlotte can be reached at [email protected].