SPRINGFIELD - There's nothing flashy about Jerry Lack. He's not boisterous, a snazzy dresser or a smooth talker. But he's sincere.

Lack, 45, is trying to beat longtime incumbent state representative Mike Boland, and it's an uphill battle. Not only does he have less campaign money than Mr. Boland, he has less name recognition.

The shy, first-time political candidate also is in a race against time to raise money and awareness for his campaign, after the primary election was moved up from mid-March to early February.

Mr. Lack, who worked for 23 years under former U.S. Rep. Lane Evans, heading up his constituent services department, said he'll rely on his experience and ability to bring people together.

"I'm extremely frustrated with what's going on in Springfield," he said. "They just don't seem to be solving problems. They're just looking at the immediate situation and not looking long term and not looking to help people, in my opinion.

"I don't think they're actually trying to work together," he said.

"I'm trying to show that I've got a proven track record," he said over a cheeseburger and fries at a Moline McDonald’s after a Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce legislative forum.

"When I worked with Lane, it was about helping people and solving problems and rolling up your sleeves and figuring out solutions for mayors, economic development groups, community officials on all kinds of issues," he said.

"That's kind of what I'm trying to do as a state legislator."

Mr. Lack said he did a lot of assembling and organizing under Evans' leadership, trying to work out deals between the federal government and local constituents.

He did just that in 2001 at Sterling-Rock Falls when the steel mill closed.

"We had a lot of people there who lost their health insurance right away when that steel mill closed and went bankrupt," Mr. Lack said. "They had no health insurance coverage, so we worked with them scheduling a meeting."

He brought in Veterans Assistance officials to sign up veterans for the VA health-care system. He also hooked the unemployed up with Rockford's community health center and later helped establish a local health center in town.

He also helped bring new businesses to the area to compensate for job losses.

"We brought everyone together, and I was (Evans') point person in doing that," Lack said. "And it wasn't groups fighting back and forth. We were able to cooperate."

That's only one example of his dedication, he said.

"Jerry has a lot of experience," said Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline. "He has a lot of knowledge in the federal government, and that's important at the state legislature. I also think that he has a good rapport with other politicians."

Mr. Jacobs said he's remaining neutral in the race but his father, former senator Denny Jacobs, is supporting Lack.

Rep. Pat Vershoore, D-Milan, also has endorsed Lack.

"He was one of Evans' constituent service people, and that's basically what this job is, constituent service," Rep. Vershoore said.

"You could come down here and not pass any laws, but if you take care of the constituents' concerns, that's what the job is. You should take care of the people in your area and their needs."

Mr. Lack is backed by several other local leaders, including Rock Island County Board Chair Jim Bohnsack and the county state's attorney, clerk and treasurer.

The local endorsements, according to Mr. Lack, are an example of the area's attitude toward his opponent.

"They've worked with me. They've worked with Mike Boland. They're supporting me because I follow through on things and I never give up," Lack said. "I am always trying to help them in some way to solve a problem. I'm always very responsive getting back to them. I care deeply about them. I think they see that."

On a city level, he's been endorsed by Hampton Mayor Sean McKay and several former East Moline mayors. He's also supported by the Fraternal Order of Police and Independent Voters of Illinois.

Mr. Verschoore said he blames Mr. Boland for a lack of area unity. "Jerry Lack, I think, would be a good asset in the community. In the past, it's basically been Sen. Jacobs and myself representing our area.

"I think our area needs all three legislators who are working in unison to get the most done for our area."

But Mr. Lack's biggest struggle is running against an incumbent who has stronger name recognition and a bigger pool of campaign money to draw from.

"It's always hard to run against an incumbent," Mr. Verschoore said. "I mean, an incumbent definitely has an advantage, but Jerry's out working hard. It's not like he's not known."

Part of Mr. Lack's struggle is personal. "I always grew up shy and quiet, I guess," the tall, lanky candidate said.

"Getting in front of a large group and public speaking is still always a challenge, I think for a lot of people. But I try to watch other people, how they speak, how they carry themselves."

To carry the district, he'll need to bring it all to the table. "The more you do it, the easier it gets," he said.

Jerry Lack, 45, of East Moline.

Family: Married, stepchildren ages 22 and 25.

Employment: Executive director Illowa Construction Labor and Management Council

Abortion: Pro-choice.

Gun control: Supports second amendment.

Tax increases: Rely more on income tax than property tax for funding education.

Education funding: More emphasis on income tax revenue.

Gaming expansion: Supports gaming expansion to create revenue.