With his graduation approaching, Jason Linn, a political science major at the University of Western Michigan, looks to one-up one of Illinois’, and the United States’ most historical political figures in his run for state representative later this year.

This figure? Abraham Lincoln, who served five terms with the Illinois House of Representatives and became our nation’s 16th president, had an unsuccessful run for state representative when he was 23. Linn (D-Lake Villa), now 21, is running in the newly redrawn Illinois District 61 against incumbent candidate Timothy Osmond (R-Antioch).

Running unopposed in the March Primary, Linn will be the Democratic candidate for the district and states he is “running for Illinois’ future.” Issues Linn looks to address include campaign finance reform, protecting the environment and requiring computer literacy for high school students.

Linn has been a resident of Lake Villa all his life, and his interest in politics was sparked during a class field trip to Springfield in the eighth grade. He then joined the local Democratic party, and decided to run for the state House in December 1998.

He had second thoughts, though, when he learned that the newly redrawn district that splits his town of Lake Villa put him about 100 yards north of District 62 and in a race with Osmond, the current representative. Osmond won his last race with 65 percent of the vote, and serves on various committees in the House.

Linn looks to use State Senator and Chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party Terry Link’s support. He also wants to draw on his experience in democratic politics, which he gained as a Lake Villa Precinct Committeeman.

Getting the support of younger voters also is important to Linn.

“Young people aren’t really involved in politics, and aren’t well represented,” Linn said. “Usually because politicians don’t appeal to them, and they don’t appeal to politicians because not many vote. I hope my candidacy will break this progressive cycle.”