State Rep. Naomi Jakobsson has an opponent - UI student Frank Calabrese.
A University of Illinois junior majoring in history, Calabrese supports the recall of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28, preserving the state pension system and advocating for higher education issues.
He's especially interested in the school he attends.
"On so many different fronts, the UI has been given the short end of the stick," he said, suggesting Jakobsson has not performed as well as she might.
"It's not a strength of hers" to protect the Urbana campus' interests, Calabrese said.
Frank Calabrese is an occassional blogger on IP.com.
UPDATE: The DI story:
Calabrese, junior in LAS, announced his candidacy Tuesday and said he is running to represent the University in Springfield.
"This district is heavily dominated by the University," he said. "Literally almost half the population of the 103rd are U of I students."
He referred to the district as "the University district" and said the participation of his peers will play a large role in determining whether he wins the seat.
"If anything, me being a student just ties the University more into the district," he said. "Students can basically decide the outcome of this election."
On her part, Jakobsson said that, although she does not know much about Calabrese, she is not overly concerned by his candidacy.
"He has a right to run," she said. "He's certainly a young man, and that's really all I know about him."
I felt really sorry for this poor kid until I saw this --- "Calabrese was the Champaign County co-chair of the Topinka for Governor campaign",
Now I think, ehhh...he deserves it. Now I just feel sorry for us in the 103rd...
GO, FRANK, GO!
GO, FRANK, GO!
YEAAAAAH, FRANK!
If elected, will he handle constituent concerns or mis-quotes in the paper with the same deftness that he handled the Chief Referendum discussion? More importantly, when he's not elected, will he find a way to blame Gordy?
-----
"Another Anon with a worthless opinion" - Run4cvrlib on 2/2/08
"I guess I have little tolerance for people who just attack people just to do it and give no justification." - Run4cvrlib on 2/2/08
Well that'll make the ballot a wee bit more interesting. Naomi defended her record for U of I by claiming she's been working on a textbook bill a "whole lot" that seems to address an issue I'm generally unaware of? Since when were students at U of I required to only buy books in bundles? One less vote for Chicago domination, gun bans, etc might be a pretty good selling point right there... as much as I appreciated Naomi's mailers implying that I'm a threat to society :-)
--
Glock21 Op/Ed
I think Frank would make an excellent representative for the 103rd, espescially since we essentially have no representation now.
Arvid, Why are you still obsessing on the Chief Referendum comment?
I wouldn't say I'm obsessing, just concerned as a resident of the 103rd that my potential representative has the potential to lash out at his prospective constituents when they point out that he's either wrong or mis-quoted. I find that rather unprofessional and that is certainly a quality I do not want in any person who represents me. I've talked to Naomi several times (in person, even) about issues I have and my concerns with items she has voted on. Not once has she told me to "get a life".
Hats off to him for running, but he's gonna get spanked pretty hard. I just hope after he loses he doesn't continue to gripe about the loss like other people, and moves on.
-----
"Another Anon with a worthless opinion" - Run4cvrlib on 2/2/08
"I guess I have little tolerance for people who just attack people just to do it and give no justification." - Run4cvrlib on 2/2/08
Thanks for stepping up, Frank. I see more civic activity from Frank on campus and in the City of Champaign, than I do from Naomi. Kudos!
Once again, the Republicans are not taking the race for the 103rd seriously. Last time "I Shall Always Remain Rex," this time a 20-year-old kid who isn't eligible to take office yet. Is the District that overwhelmingly Democratic that the Republicans don't even bother trying? I'm telling you there are an awful lot of Democrats, me for one, fed up with the mess in Springfield and the contribution to the mess that Naomi is making by voting for the leadership that has the state in gridlock. That is a seat that could be won by a Republican, if the Republicans were willing to target it and run a credible candidate. I suppose Feinen still won't run? How about Schweighart, isn't he ready to move up? What about your county party chairman, Bartell? I would contribute to, work for and vote for any of the three.
Arvid, I find it funny that in that thread, Frank recanted his "get a life" statement to you, yet you continue to rehash it here.
Don't get me wrong, you were correct in pointing out Frank's misstatement, but for someone who talks about moving on, you can't seem to let this one go.
No more ,
No one takes Arvid's opinions seriously anyway, so who cares if he criticizes Calabrese.
Ezra,
If you don't like Naomi, don't vote for her. It's not necessary to criticize the Republican candidate, who I'm sure will campaign very hard.
Frank will be soundly thrashed for his naivete. Where is the friggin' leadership? Why didn't this get brought up at the county meeting this month?
Glock21 asks: "Since when were students at U of I required to only buy books in bundles?"
For quite some time now - they come that way from the publisher, shrink-wrapped with a CD inside. You can't say "I only want the book." You also generally can't legally buy the paperback (lighter!) versions of the books sold abroad, either, if you live in the US.
Just a point - I have no knowledge of any related bills, yet.
akibare... so it's not multiple books... just books that are sold by the publisher with a CD with extra references/material? I've seen that before but didn't think that was any kind of concern... when the required book came with a CD I wasn't like "oh my god that CD really jacks up the prices!" ever. That's her big contribution? Forcing book publishers to offer a book without a CD or paperback editions? I don't even think the State has that kind of authority, especially since most books are published out of State.
--
Glock21 Op/Ed
"Arvid, Why are you still obsessing on the Chief Referendum comment?"
It is the thing he is good at.
Better than Ezra said, "If you don't like Naomi, don't vote for her. It's not necessary to criticize the Republican candidate, who I'm sure will campaign very hard.
Better, I'm sure Calabreze is a bright young man who will campaign very hard. Maybe someday when he's old enough to drink, he will run for office and win. But right now, he's not a serious candidate, and I would like to see the Republicans nominate someone who actually has a chance at winning. I take it the Republicans think the demographics of the district are such that they have no chance. Maybe that's true, I'm not a politician. I just think the disaffection with Naomi is something they ought to try to capitalize on.
"But right now, he's not a serious candidate, and I would like to see the Republicans nominate someone who actually has a chance at winning. I take it the Republicans think the demographics of the district are such that they have no chance. Maybe that's true, I'm not a politician. I just think the disaffection with Naomi is something they ought to try to capitalize on."
You have such strong feelings on the matter that perhaps your contributions would be most effective when such decisions are being made, rather than afterwards. I sincerely hope you'll join us at our next central committee meeting, and/or at the Lincoln Day Dinner so that you can help us do better in all our candidate recruitment efforts.
If Naomi's issue is only trying to unbundle the purchasing of books, this is pathetic. I would rather pay the full price of a book package and see tuition go down by the state contributing their fair share. It's no wonder this state is in such a sad shape.
Arvid, I find it funny that in that thread, Frank recanted his "get a life" statement to you, yet you continue to rehash it here.
Don't get me wrong, you were correct in pointing out Frank's misstatement, but for someone who talks about moving on, you can't seem to let this one go.
I mention it once in the context of a declared candidate and a concern that I, as a constituent of the district, have and apparently means I'm obsessing over it? However, since he recanted, I should "let it go", even though this is the first time I've mentioned anything about it since that week? He was less than pleasant, and obviously enjoying unofficial that night too (won't even go there about that), and now he wants to represent me? Excuse me while I have a good laugh. Didn't Dan Bolin try something like this a few years ago, but for the county board? How did that work out?
I trust you all let everything go when someone recants as well, yes? We don't have any threads here bitching about losing a state rep election by an almost 2-1 margin on an average of every other week, or how the ILGOP is being held back by the "ignorant voters" who denied Topinka her rightful place in the Governor's mansion. Nor are there any threads continually arguing against the smoking ban. Of course, nobody here *ever* focuses on the minute details of what a candidate says or did prior to declaring their candidacy for a particular office.
No, not here at IlliniPundit.com. We're all about rational discussion, then moving on to something new, never to rehash the past over and over again.
It is the thing he is good at.
Just riveting commentary and analysis there, Dan.
-----
"Another Anon with a worthless opinion" - Run4cvrlib on 2/2/08
"I guess I have little tolerance for people who just attack people just to do it and give no justification." - Run4cvrlib on 2/2/08
"No, not here at IlliniPundit.com. We're all about rational discussion, then moving on to something new, never to rehash the past over and over again."
Yer dern tootin'!!! You evil non-smoker person guy! :-)
It's a valid issue though. He might be a bit young and bit too brash for office. Naomi's reaction used terms like she was talking about one of her kid's friends... the "young man" bit and all.
"But right now, he's not a serious candidate, and I would like to see the Republicans nominate someone who actually has a chance at winning."
But it's exactly the kind of attitude I wish we had from more folks in Illinois, standing up and fighting for what they think is right even when the odds seem impossible. Depending on where he comes down on the issues it might be worth it to me just to have one less pro-gun control vote and one less Chicago domination vote in the House. Since he was a Romney supporter he might be just as anti-gun as Naomi but we'll have to see.
--
Glock21 Op/Ed
Some of us were at the last central committee meeting and there was "nary a peep" about this move to slate the young fellow, so what are you talking about, Gordy?
"I trust you all let everything go when someone recants as well, yes? We don't have any threads here bitching about losing a state rep election by an almost 2-1 margin on an average of every other week, or how the ILGOP is being held back by the "ignorant voters" who denied Topinka her rightful place in the Governor's mansion. Nor are there any threads continually arguing against the smoking ban. Of course, nobody here *ever* focuses on the minute details of what a candidate says or did prior to declaring their candidacy for a particular office.
No, not here at IlliniPundit.com. We're all about rational discussion, then moving on to something new, never to rehash the past over and over again."
A new slogan for IP.com: Beating Dead Horses, Since January 2005.
:-)
Arvid has the best sense of humor here. I can tell because seeing his picture for the thousandth time is still funnier than most funnies I see here the first time.
As for Arvid bringing up Calabrese going psycho on a bunch of people for no reason, can't anyone see why that might be relevant to the guy's qualifications for office?
A similar lack of social graces is why I haven't supported his opponent.
I guess it's Green again this cycle.
I dont think that the Greens have actually slated an candidate for the 103rd (yet), have they?
"Some of us were at the last central committee meeting and there was "nary a peep" about this move to slate the young fellow, so what are you talking about, Gordy?"
I wasn't at the March meeting, as I was in a different County. I can't recall if Frank came forward before that meeting or afterwards. Regardless, I was at the organizing meeting in early March, at which there was a request for volunteers to serve on a state-required slating committee of two people (size also set by state statute) specifically for the 103rd District. Three hands were raised, one of which was mine. I withdrew, as I had plenty of confidence in the other two people who were volunteering.
Slating of candidates for ballot vacancies in Districts entirely within the County is not done by the Central Committee, but a special committee as specified by state law.
It seems like it would have been much wiser to have the young fellow run for a lesser office at the local level where he could get some experience and have some significant impact and actually be successful.
I'm all about Tom Abram. Bring it on!
Glock21 asks: "akibare... so it's not multiple books... just books that are sold by the publisher with a CD with extra references/material? I've seen that before but didn't think that was any kind of concern... when the required book came with a CD I wasn't like "oh my god that CD really jacks up the prices!" ever. "
Often that's exactly what it is, yes. Many books cost around $100 these days, they're all fancy hardbacks on glossy paper (which makes them heavy as a bonus!) and they have a CD in the back. The CD is usually used as justification for the high price.
Some come with workbooks and lab manuals too, you must buy them as a unit even if you really only need the book itself.
Most of the crazy high priced books are in engineering subjects, obscure political science type topics, or things like CS, in my experience. But most of the engineering and CS books, if you know where to ask or go, you can get the editions for India, which are identical to the US ones but printed on thin paper and sold alone. Thing is, you're not supposed to buy them here, just like you're not supposed to watch movies released abroad on your DVD player (hence the region-encoding business, which people similarly laugh at and ignore). Part of it, granted, is the fact that such books aren't likely to be best sellers anytime soon, so they gotta get the dough somewhere :)
Added to this is the issue of printing new versions every year with only the minutest of rewordings. That it would seem might be in the power of the professor to just say "I'll use the old one" but if the old one is out of print, then what?
Literature people and those studying any sort of "classics" can usually get books at any used bookstore for super cheap, where the price comes in for them is each class wants you to read 100 books in a term so it adds up... but at least most of 'em are at the library.
I have no idea exactly what Naomi is on about, though, so can't speak to that.
I do know that in the past I've been around for some discussions when textbook publishers were really upset at the idea that classes might be offered online (this was around 10 years ago when it was really just starting out), and also the Illini Union Bookstore was nervous that if the U had people taking classes with everything online, or better yet, paying some FEE to take a class online, that they would lose their cut, and this would be horribly unfair. Being a low-level cube jockey, I was only listening in, but it was interesting.
Anonymous 8:52 says: "I would rather pay the full price of a book package and see tuition go down by the state contributing their fair share."
I'm sure you're HARDLY alone in that sentiment, on both sides of the political aisle. However, so far the state, including Mr. Helmet Hair, has failed to respond to those desires.
(Not to imply I don't want people to continue trying for that, though, by any means.)
Quite frankly it makes more sense for Republicans to support Tom Abram than it does for them to make a joke of their slot by running a young fellow who may indeed be a quite fine young man, but indeed is going to be crushed by the opposition. We dont need to be putting a novice in the 103rd representative slot.
Good luck to Frank. We need more young people getting involved in the political process and I mean actually running for office! Let's not be ageist here, let's see what Frank has to offer first. It's not like young candidates dont have any history of winning elections *cough*Aaron Schock*cough*
Then again, I think Schock is a Schmuck.
Unfortunately, we didn't slate a Green someone in the 103rd. So voters will have to choose between Franky "bada bing" Calabresse and Naomi "Madigan" Jakobsson.
Someone has brought up Aaron Schock and only time will tell if Frank is as good a candidate as Aaron Schock, but don't underestimate him. I have worked with him on campaigns in the past he works very hard and is smart experienced person. Frank and I may not agree on all the issues I think he fits his district well but I will let him talk about that, as a resent graduate of the U of I, I am sure the students will like him.
"So voters will have to choose between Franky "bada bing" Calabresse and Naomi "Madigan" Jakobsson."
As a midwesterner without HBO, I'm not as conversant with east coast urban slang. Is "bada bing" Italian for "snowball's chance in hell"?
(If we were speaking in person, this is the point in the conversation where I would bat my eyes in deadpan innocence.)
"I just hope after he loses he doesn't continue to gripe about the loss like other people, and moves on."
I generally agree with you and your posts, but in this case I found it hypocritical to ask Frank to, "move on", while bringing up an exchange from five weeks ago and then rationalize it by saying everyone else does it.
I guess this time we disagree.
I generally agree with you and your posts, but in this case I found it hypocritical to ask Frank to, "move on", while bringing up an exchange from five weeks ago and then rationalize it by saying everyone else does it.
My comment was more in reference to the previous Republican candidate for the 103rd, who regularly reminds us how much better off we'd be if we had elected him instead of Naomi.
-----
"Another Anon with a worthless opinion" - Run4cvrlib on 2/2/08
"I guess I have little tolerance for people who just attack people just to do it and give no justification." - Run4cvrlib on 2/2/08
Green_Cutip, you forgot to bring up "tacos and tequila" while you were at it.
Calabrese comes from an interesting family...
http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/family.secrets.mob.2.338332.html
http://www.ipsn.org/calabre2.html
http://www.ipsn.org/mob_hits/sons_tapes_calabrese.htm
Yes, all people with Italian last names are contract killers. Thanks for helping to keep this place classy.
Anon-Is that meant to be funny or do you just not know they are not related.
Frank is not related to the mobster. In fact, his familly endowed the University with a 5 million dollar fellowship. His family is from Round Lake and is the world's leading manufacturer of industrial ovens. You might check out the Pat and Bette Calabrese Followship at the U of I. It is for mechanical engineering students.
I apologize, I totally wasn't serious when I made that comment. I just heard that completely ridiculous rumor off of some comment page of someplace.
Ms. Jackobbson though, as nice as she is, is still a subsidiary of the Madigan machine
The Italian "humor" is wack. That's all I have to say about that.
Yeah, I thought about deleting it, but I figured it needed to be addressed otherwise it would just float out there.
Thanks.
Ok, at least Im not the one being accused of stereotyping now! I do think the Italian thing is actually full blown racist and demand that Gordy show his full support for inclusiveness on IP. Just kidding!
I do support Frank and think he is a hard worker. I just want to know what issues he is running on! As a student leader, there were some things that I parted ways with him on. When he chose to lobby for irresponsible drinking at the Champaign City Council, I thought that was not the greatest thing to fight for. But to each his own. If actually elected, how would Franks schooling be affected! Would he have to commute between classes and the state legislator? I think that could bring a lot of maturity to a college student. Actually getting a real job and realizing that you can not "get wasted" every night because you have to be at work early in the morning is a great thing. I support Franks candidacy though.
I just want to know specific things that are not related to "the right for college students to binge drink."
----
Robert Dunn
Ex-Leftist, Born-Again Conservative American
BTW, Jason Bartell is not the Champaign County GOP Chairman. His law partner Jason BARICKMAN is the Chairman! Bartell is everyone's spiritual advisor and the coolest guy in Rantoul as well!
----
Robert Dunn
Ex-Leftist, Born-Again Conservative American
Little Frankie is still much too wet behind the ears for the task the Republican Leadership (NOT!) has aggrandized him into. He is not old enough to have any opinions of his own on a wide variety of issues and the best he can hope to do is to parrot the advices of his elders. Shame on Barickman for presiding over this fiasco.
He is not old enough to have any opinions of his own on a wide variety of issues and the best he can hope to do is to parrot the advices of his elders.
Based on your logic, no UofI students are old enough to form their own opinions. Guess we should raise that voting age up to 21.
Gee I guess we should keep our kids in the house until their thirty, please no.
Frank challenging Naomi seems a bit like Steve Cox challenging Tim Johnson - the parties feel obligated to run someone, but probably won't put many resources into the campaigns. Nothing against Frank or Steve - it's just how the game is played.
Hey, I think a fundraiser would be your typical CR event, an all night binge drinking affair. We could call it "Unofficial Election Day." to honor Calabrase and all of his over privileged brats who think they can do anything and still Mommy and Daddy will pay for him. Will Frankie ask Mommy and Daddy for money for the campaign, the same way he is getting a free ride to go to school?
"Hey, I think a fundraiser would be your typical CR event, an all night binge drinking affair. We could call it "Unofficial Election Day." to honor Calabrase and all of his over privileged brats who think they can do anything and still Mommy and Daddy will pay for him. Will Frankie ask Mommy and Daddy for money for the campaign, the same way he is getting a free ride to go to school?"
Wow. Anon must be an immediate family member, right? I mean, in order to know so much about Frank's finances and life story already.
Welcome to politics, Frank, and life as a target. Believe me, it only gets worse from here...
"Hey, I think a fundraiser would be your typical CR event, an all night binge drinking affair. We could call it "Unofficial Election Day." to honor Calabrase and all of his over privileged brats who think they can do anything and still Mommy and Daddy will pay for him. Will Frankie ask Mommy and Daddy for money for the campaign, the same way he is getting a free ride to go to school?"
Frank has already demonstrated more maturity than you.
I think it's fair for people to ask if he'll be a serious candidate - meaning, will he actually run a campaign? If he runs a real campaign, actually puts effort in, that will show he's a "real" candidate. (If he doesn't, well, he wouldn't be the first young student candidate to get on the ballot, but not run much of a campaign.) It's up to him. Even in a district where it seems winning is hopeless, it's important to ask questions, if nothing else it makes the other candidate have to consider a response.
Entirely separate from any flamage here, it strikes me that "Unofficial Election Day" could actually be a pretty hilarious flash mob stunt. Make up some T-shirts, go around saying you're "drinking until you can't tell the difference between the candidates" (or maybe "you have to drink so the speeches make sense"), having drinking games "Drink when Obama says 'change'.... well, maybe not so early in the evening, you won't last!" etc.
All the clothes would be red white and blue, of course, maybe some goofy Uncle Sam hats... fake money stuffed into your pants...
Entirely separate from any flamage here, it strikes me that "Unofficial Election Day" could actually be a pretty hilarious flash mob stunt. Make up some T-shirts, go around saying you're "drinking until you can't tell the difference between the candidates" (or maybe "you have to drink so the speeches make sense"), having drinking games "Drink when Obama says 'change'.... well, maybe not so early in the evening, you won't last!" etc.
All the clothes would be red white and blue, of course, maybe some goofy Uncle Sam hats... fake money stuffed into your pants...
That would be pretty good - are there any nights coming up where there are likely to be a lot of televised speeches?
Frank has already demonstrated more maturity than you.
ip, It is your blog for sure, but smug put-downs like this too often characterizes your commentary.
It would be a lot more fun if you could humble yourself enough to provide a more thoughtful argument and leave
the goofiness to glock and dan fielding.
For the record. I agreed with IP's remark. Anon, for someone complaining about smug put-downs your comment about "over privileged brats" took the cake.
--
Glock21 Op/Ed
"ip, It is your blog for sure, but smug put-downs like this too often characterizes your commentary.
It would be a lot more fun if you could humble yourself enough to provide a more thoughtful argument and leave the goofiness to glock and dan fielding."
I would love to. But the comment I was responding to deserved to be smugly mocked and put-down. It's absolutely obnoxious, rude and the exact opposite of the sort of civil discussion I hope to have on here.
I would have just deleted it, but Kevin had already responded to it.
This anonymous, a different one, thinks that the comment was spot on accurate, clever, and truly funny as comic political commentary.
Someone objected to Calabrese's filing papers:
http://www.elections.il.gov/ElectionInformation/LatestObjections.aspx?id=22
The objector is Pat Devaney, anyone know who that is?
He is a firefighter
http://www.champaignlocal1260.com/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=71604&page=Local20126020Members
He is a firefighter.
Most likely a hero undoing the work of the brutally honest Arsonists in the ILGOP.
Naomi is part of the team that keeps boosting the firefighter's pension plans, which then become unfunded mandates for the cities.
Naomi gets to spend money she doesn't have and the municipalities cannot keep up. Pat Devaney is an officer in the statewide firefighter's union.
Its payback time.
I dare someone to ask Naomi about it.
But why not follow the advice of Tim johnson and just be happy she is running against such a chump and beat him soundly while raising tons of cash? She will have a harder time raising money if she is unopposed.
Wayward asks: "That would be pretty good - are there any nights coming up where there are likely to be a lot of televised speeches?"
I'm sure there'll be something closer to November - not to mention lots of ads to poke fun at...
Actually, it would be even funnier if Naomi could be somehow tied to the mob and contract killers. Then we could nail her on any gun control legislation!
Naomi "bada bing" Madigan!
----
Robert Dunn
Ex-Leftist, Born-Again Conservative American