Dennis (Denny) Jacobs, started his political career as the long-time Democratic mayor of East Moline, Illinois, helping the city cope with the loss of several of its major employers during the early 1980s. In 1986 he moved to the Illinois Senate, and served there until 2004 when he handed over his seat to his son, Michael. While in the Illinois Senate, Jacobs became close friends with State Senator Barack Obama, and was one of several state senators who regularly played poker with the future president. He stayed in touch with the President throughout Obama's political career.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
Democratic Convention Speech
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Early life, and experiences as mayor of East Moline from 1974 thru 1986
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
Early years in the IL State Senate from 1987 thru the mid-1990s
Interview Session 03 (Audio)
Experiences with Barack Obama and IL Senate in the late 1990s-2004
Photos
Caption
The Jacobs family, circa 1975-76. From left to right are Liz, Dede, Patty, JP, Tory, Mary Ellen, and Mike. Jacobs used this photo with a campaign brochure.
Where:
East Moline, Illinois
When:
1975/1976
Ownership:
Narrator's Photo
Caption
Senator Jacobs, early in his career in the Illinois Senate, rises to make a point in the Senate chamber.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Senator Denny Jacobs in the Illinois Senate chamber in Springfield, Illinois.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Sen. Denny Jacobs, Democrat from East Moline, and Anita Bedell of the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems, testify on a state gambling proposal at a Senate Executive Committee meeting in 2004.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
2004
Ownership:
Photo courtesy of Springfield State Journal Register. May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
Denny Jacobs watches the election returns with his father, Illinois state representative Oral ‘Jake’ Jacobs.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Photo courtesy of Springfield State Journal Register. May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
Denny Jacobs and his wife, the former Mary Ellen Duffy, relax during a political event at the Quad City Downs in East Moline. The high-school sweethearts have raised six children.
Where:
East Moline
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Photo courtesy of Springfield State Journal Register. May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.