Antonio Davis-Fairman, NIU football fullback from 1985 to ‘87, was in DeKalb Saturday to raise money for his Republican campaign to be the 7th District’s state senator. The 7th District is in Cook County.

“I am not only a candidate who is running for young people, but I have some initiatives that will help them,” Davis-Fairman said.

His campaign tag line is “Building Gateways to the Future.”

Davis-Fairman said he will promote youth empowerment, faith-based and community initiatives, Social Security reform and tax reform.

“We can effectively promote economic growth, health care and new opportunities for all with vision and action,” Davis-Fairman said.

His goals are outlined in 10 proposals for the legislature.

Joe Wiegand, a DeKalb County Board member and executive director of the Family Taxpayers Network, said he is excited about Davis-Fairman’s candidacy.

Davis-Fairman is a talented man who has many gifts, Wiegand said.

“He is electrifying people with his message and with his background,” Wiegand said. “It is long overdue that we have a man like Antonio campaigning in communities that previously the Republican party has not seen hope for competitive elections.”

Davis-Fairman said he is running for Congress because the district deserves effective representation and common-sense leadership.

“For too long, our incumbent congressman [Danny Davis] has ignored many in our district,” he said. “I am excited to work hard and smart for you and your family. Together, we can make the 7th Congressional District and America better.”

Davis-Fairman will be returning to NIU on different occasions and will make himself available for questions, he said.