Before attending Monmouth College, Cocquit graduated from Knoxville Senior High School in 2006. Cocquit is an economics and business administration major at Monmouth College and the economy of Knox County is one his campaign’s main focal points.

     "I think the county board needs to be more accepting when it comes to zoning laws and more accepting when it comes to a business coming to the area or an entrepreneur from the area wanting to start their own business," stated Cocquit. Cocquit believes that the county has not welcomed business to the area with open arms, and that is one of the main things he hopes to change if elected.

     "I don’t agree with a lot of the decisions the board has made in the past," said Cocquit. "These issues are things like economic growth, balancing the budget and keeping it that way and strengthening the community." So, the MC senior decided to step up and try his best to make a change.

     Cocquit, only 21 years old, acknowledges that his age may be a factor with some voters, but he used other young politicians in Illinois as proof his age does not have to be a deterrent for voters. "I would tell voters to look at Aaron Schock of Illinois’ 18th congressional district who is the youngest member of Congress and Ryan Spain, 25, who is on the Peoria City council and the good things they are both doing."

     Not only does the hopeful candidate hope to change some of the county’s policies, he also wants to change the attitude the county board has in general.

     "There is no reason not to be optimistic about the future, because the future is the only thing we can change," said Cocquit. "I think a lot of people in the area dwell on the past and don’t take into consideration the value of the future."

     In regards to whether this campaign could be the beginning of a career in politics Cocquit stated, "My thing is, is if opportunity is going to knock on my door, I’m going to let it in. I don’t really make plans, but I have goals. I don’t want to be President, but I don’t want to be on the county board forever either. I’ll just take it one election at a time."

     Cocquit made it clear that his campaign is a "grassroots campaign," so he welcomes all the help he can get and "would like interested volunteers to contact him at scocquit@monm.edu for more information." The Primary will be Feb. 2, 2010.

     Cocquit will also be walking in Galesburg’s Veterans’ Day parade on Sunday Nov. 8, 2009 to advertise and gain support for his campaign.