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Last updated 7:41 am CT February 09, 2010.
Cheryle Jackson Campaigns in Southern Illinois
As the campaign moves forward she'll have to focus on raising money and avoiding association with a certain former governor.
In Carbondale Wednesday, the Chicago Democrat focused on helping women and small businesses.
"The way you make jobs in this environment is you've got to make certain that small businesses have the support that they need. They're watching big banks get bailed out when they can't get a loan," Jackson said.
She says the way to do that is by increasing access to loans and technical assistance, especially for small businesses owned by minorities and women
That got the attention of salon owner Kellie Miller.
"Women do provide such a major amount of the economy these days. You can't have a family and not have the women work," Miller said.
Don't be surprised if Jackson's opponents make the campaign about more than her policies.
Before taking a job as President of the Chicago Urban League she worked for Rod Blagojevich. She'll do her best to distance herself from the disgraced former governor.
"I was just as disappointed [in him] as the people of Illinois,” Jackson said. “The difference is I left before the end of the first term and I left to go do the work I signed up to do."
In a Democratic primary where her opponents are white men, expect Jackson to court black voters.
Expect her to play a game of catch-up, too.
She's well behind her opponents when it comes to fundraising, so she's counting on meetings like the ones in Carbondale to make a difference.
"I was impressed that she would get out there and meet people because up until then I hadn't even heard of her," Miller said.
By Dana Jay
djay@wsiltv.com
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