Of the five Democrats vying for their party’s nomination to pursue Barack Obama’s old senate seat, Jacob Meister is the only one without political experience.
It’s a fact he likes to tout.
"I’m in the race because it’s time to take back Illinois politics from career politicians and others associated with the city and state political machines," Meister said in a release announcing his candidacy. "It’s time to send someone with a progressive vision and real-world experience to Washington to work for the people of Illinois."
Meister, 44, is a lawyer who runs his own firm. He earned a Bachelor's degree in international relations and political science from American University and a law degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Besides being the only non-politician candidate, Meister is the only openly gay candidate. He hasn’t, however, made sexual orientation a campaign issue.
Meister, who seeded his campaign coffers with $1 million of his own money, is running as a progressive who supports reshaping education, revitalizing manufacturing, creating jobs and regulating financial industries.
Visit his campaign web site, or learn more at Facebook.
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