He can count, he can teach, he can organize (and win!)...

If you're a political junkie like me, it's especially exciting to you when a friend runs for office. It's even more exciting when that friend is highly qualified, politically astute, has a damn good chance of winning and the will to do just that.

Meet my friend Daniel Biss.

He's running for State Rep. in the 17th district, a seat that is (and shouldn't be) currently held by a Republican, Rep. Elizabeth Coulson. The district is pretty blue overall, with some areas more so than others. Beth Coulson is considered a moderate Republican, somewhat liberal on social issues, more conservative on fiscal issues. She's not horrible, but she certainly lacks the leadership qualities to get things done in Springfield, especially considering her party is not in power.

Daniel is a math professor at UIC as well as a volunteer math teacher for at-risk teens in Lawndale. He earned his undergrad degree at Harvard and his doctorate at MIT. Given the current state of affairs in Springfield with budget negotiations gone haywire, doesn't it make sense to toss someone who can count in complicated ways into the mix? Yes, yes it does (as unkind as that may be!).

Daniel is very invested in education and is making that the basis for his platform. He knows that our state legislature has failed to get the job done on school funding reform and is prepared to work hard to change that. Having taught school at every age level, he brings a unique and qualified perspective to that discussion.

I had the pleasure of meeting Daniel through his involvement in local grassroots organizing efforts to elect Democratic candidates. He's a tremendous organizer, genuinely invested in getting folks engaged in the political process and 100% aware of what it takes to win. Beth Coulson should be shaking in her boots right about now if you ask me!