In some jobs, experience can make all the difference and that’s what Congressman Tim Johnson says will get him another term serving for the Illinois’ 15th district.

Johnson, who lives in Urbana, said many of his experiences as a Congressman will help him continue getting things done in Washington, one of those being a strong advocate for higher education needs.

In addition, Johnson was a professor at Parkland College in Champaign, which he said helps him relate to needs of higher education. He said those needs include a good appropriation of federal funding, a strong grant program and research as well as a committment to all of the above.

“My viewpoint reflects those at Eastern,” he said.

lllinois’ 15th District is highly populated with higher education institutions and Johnson said he understands that not only is it his responsibility to take care of students but the university as a whole because it represents a good portion of the economy in the area.

“Part of my job is continuing doing a responsible job representing the district,” he said. “And hoping that as a result people will vote for you.”

Johnson has served four years in the 15th District and prior to that spent six years in the Illinois General Assembly.

“(Experience) makes a good deal of difference,” he said.

Through his offices, Johnson fought for tougher drunk driving and sex offense laws in the state. In addition, he has worked for lower taxes and was a part of the Republican Leadership team in the General Assembly in 1995, which was a Republican package of legislation that helped welfare reform, school improvement programs, truth-in-sentencing and pro-business legislation.

Overall Johnson said his ability to talk to residents of the district and communicate their needs to Springfield is his strongest asset and so far he said his campaining through Charleston and Eastern’s campus has brought a “good reception.”

But he said, “You’ll never know until election day.”