Jim Watson (Illinois politician)

Infobox_State_Senator


imagesize = 150px
name=Jim Watson


state_senate=Illinois
state=Illinois
district=97th
term=2001 -
preceded=
succeeded=Incumbent
date of birth=birth date and age|1965|07|30
place of birth=Jerseyville, Illinois
date of death=
place of death=
profession=
religion=
party=Republican|

Jim Watson is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 97th district since 2001.State Representative Jim Watson has represented the 97th District in the General Assembly since December 2001. Representative Watson’s diverse background includes teaching at both the high school and college level and 10 years of business experience.

Jim is a current Marine Corps reservist with the 3rd Civil Affairs Group in Camp Pendleton, CA, and is a veteran of the first Gulf War.

In the General Assembly, Representative Watson has been a strong advocate for veterans’ rights, serving as the Republican Spokesman for the Veterans Affairs Committee. His other committee assignments include Financial Institutions, Elementary & Secondary Education, Telecommunications, Public Utilities (Republican Spokesperson), Gaming, and State Government Administration.

In addition to veterans’ issues, Watson continues to focus on education issues, fiscal responsibility, and growing Illinois’ job market during his time in the General Assembly. Watson is a father of three and resides in Jacksonville.

Biography

Education:

B.A. in History, Eastern Illinois University, 1988M.A. in History, Eastern Illinois University, 1990M.B.A., University of Illinois at Champaign – Urbana, 1997

"'Professional Experience:"'Vice-President, Marketing, Wareco Convenience Stores, 1991-2001Adjunct Professor, Strategic Management, MacMurray & Blackburn Colleges, Fall 1999Social Studies Teacher, Highland High School, 1990Graduate Assistant, Eastern Illinois University, 1989-1990Social Studies Teacher, Auburn High School, 1988-1989

"'Military Experience:"'United States Marine Corps Reserve, 3rd Civil Affairs Group, 2007 - PresentServed in Operation Desert Storm, 1990-91United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves, 1985-1991

"'Community Activities:"'Prairieland United Way Allocating Panel

American Red Cross (Jacksonville), Chairman of the 2005 Hero’s CampaignBig Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Illinois

House Committees:

Public Utilities, SpokesmanVeteran’s Affairs, SpokesmanElementary & Secondary EducationGamingFinancial InstitutionsTelecommunications

External links

* [http://www.repjimwatson.com Jim Watson] official website
* [http://ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?MemberID=1240 Illinois General Assembly - Representative Jim Watson (R) 97th District] official IL House website
** [http://ilga.gov/house/RepBills.asp?MemberID=1240 Bills] [http://ilga.gov/house/RepCommittees.asp?MemberID=1240 Committees]
* [http://votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=33460 Project Vote Smart - Representative James R. 'Jim' Watson (IL)] profile
*"Follow the Money" - Jim Watson
** [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200614&c=417442 2006] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200414&c=396035 2004] [http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200214&c=25548 2002] campaign contributions
* [http://housegop.state.il.us/members/member.asp?c=30552 Illinois House Republican Caucus - Jim Watson] profile