Dr. Paul Jacobs, a Carbondale optometrist, is getting ready to file his petition for candidacy at the end of this week for a run against Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) in the 115th District, which includes all of Jefferson County and parts of Jackson, Perry, Union and Washington counties.
Speaking to SW Illinois News on Wednesday, Jacobs said his campaign has all the signatures it needs and is all set to move ahead.
“We’re turning in (the paperwork) on Friday,” Jacobs said. “We’re getting into campaign mode.”
Jacobs said he has been surprised at how quickly observers have moved to inspect 469 filings he said represents the total of candidates filing across the state.
As far as issues with attorneys striking signatures off of a petition, he said the solution should be simple.
“If you need 500 signatures, get 600 or 700 that are perfect,” Jacobs said.
His own campaign, he said, has between 900 and 1,000 signatures. Because some minor setbacks meant his campaign got a relatively late start with signatures, he feels he's had healthy success getting signatures together.
“It was gratifying to see people willing to help,” Jacobs said. “It was nice to watch the system, the process, work. We had a great following that we were happy to see.”
In Union County, he said, those canvassing for Republican Party candidates accomplished the process correctly, carrying flyers for both candidates.
“You present a couple different opinions – and let the voter decide,” Jacobs said.
As for the focus of his campaign, Jacobs said he wants to help restructure how the state approaches finances and try to advocate for residents and businesses within the state that are seeing high tax burdens.
“There are so many things that (officials) need to do (to reform the system),” he said, calling the current Illinois financial system “top-heavy.”
Jacobs said his campaign will continue to focus on the primary election March 20. Interested parties have until Dec. 11 to file objections to nominating petitions.
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