McLean County Times

Today, I continue advising the electorate on highly contested and critical local races. In Part 1 of this series, I made a recommendation in the Anderson vs. Chung race for Illinois House District 91, noting that Anderson is the preferred candidate. Now, in Part 2, I give my advice in relation to the race between challenger Judge Joe McGraw (R) and incumbent Eric Sorenson (D), who are vying for U.S. Congressional District 17, the winner of which will take a seat in the United State House of Representatives. This is the only “competitive” congressional race in Illinois, so Sorensen is getting a lot of outside support to help retain his seat. The outcome of this race could easily determine which party – Republican or Democrat – controls the U.S. House of Representatives in the next administration.

Congressional District 17 encompasses the northwestern and central parts of the state. The highly gerrymandered, C-shaped district stretches along the state’s northern border from Rockford in the north to the Mississippi River on the west and to Peoria and McLean counties. As it does so, it encompasses the major cities of Rockford, Moline, Rock Island, and parts of Peoria and Normal. The Democrat-controlled state legislature created this district following the 2020 decennial census. Its boundaries were set almost to ensure that a Democrat represented the district at the national level. More than gerrymandered geography should determine the winner in this District. Consider the candidates themselves.

Let’s first consider the qualifications of challenger Judge Joe McGraw. Having reviewed his record and credentials, here is what I have found out about Judge Joe:

Judicial Experience: With two decades of judicial experience, Judge Joe McGraw brings a deep understanding of the law, fairness, and constitutional principles. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to justice and impartiality—essential for sound legislative decision-making.

Law and Order Focus: Judge McGraw is dedicated to public safety, supporting law enforcement, and advocating for more robust policies to combat crime. His courtroom experience empowers him to shape laws that uphold justice while protecting the community. As a former prosecutor and judge, he understands the impact of soft-on-crime policies on communities and the importance of enforcing the law.

Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility: Judge Joe is focused on reducing government waste and controlling spending, resonating with voters concerned about the national debt and long-term economic stability. He advocates for economic policies that drive job creation and support small businesses.

Conservative Values: McGraw champions traditional conservative values, such as limited government, personal responsibility, and family-centered policies. For voters who prioritize these principles, he serves as a steadfast advocate for their beliefs.

Constitutional Integrity: His judicial experience highlights his respect for the U.S. Constitution and commitment to protecting individual rights, making him a strong advocate for personal freedoms and limited government intervention.

These qualities make Judge Joe McGraw a well-qualified and highly desirable candidate to represent the citizens of U.S. Congressional District 17. On the contrary, Eric Sorensen’s background is that of a television weatherman. He carries considerable “negative” baggage from his time in the U.S. House of Representatives. Consider the following general concerns:

Liberal Policy Stances: Sorensen’s progressive views on climate change, healthcare, social justice, and transgender rights generally do not appeal to conservative or moderate voters. His advocacy for expanding government programs raises concerns among those prioritizing limited government and fiscal responsibility.

Taxation and Spending: Sorensen supports increased government spending on green energy and healthcare initiatives, which will result in higher taxes or a larger national debt. Fiscal conservatives see his economic policies as unsustainable or harmful to the economy.

Energy Policies: His emphasis on moving away from fossil fuels may alienate voters in sectors such as coal, oil, and manufacturing, especially in areas where these traditional energy industries are vital to the local economy.

Soft of Crime: He is desperately trying to cover up the fact that his soft-on-crime policies, like cashless bail, have put citizens in danger. That’s why twelve IL District 17 sheriffs and the ILFOP have endorsed Judge Joe.

Partisanship: Sorensen is closely aligned with the leadership of the Democratic Party, making many question whether he prioritizes local needs over the agendas of the national party.

Eric Sorenson is an elitist whose personal values are deeply out-of-touch with the people of Illinois House District 17. His recent attacks on Illinoisans who believe in the power of prayer are insulting. He mocks the values we share while promoting his extreme views. Sorenson is part of the group known for the worst excesses of the progressive Left. Consider the following specific examples:

• He has organized events featuring drag performances for children, exposing them to inappropriate content, and supports policies that allow biological males access to restrooms traditionally designated for females.
• He advocates for making sex-change medications and life-altering gender transition surgeries available to young children.
• He has publicly made jokes about rape.
• He shared images on a private Facebook account referring to police officers as "bastards" and "fascist pigs."

In closing, it should be noted that Eric Sorensen has consistently refused to debate Judge Joe McGraw in a public forum. Need we wonder why? Any political candidate who refuses to debate the issues with their challenger publicly does so for several reasons. In this case, Sorenson’s refusal to debate signals a lack of confidence in his ability to defend his positions. As the incumbent, refusing to debate leaves the impression that he is unwilling to handle the scrutiny of or be held accountable for his policies. This refusal dismisses voters’ desire for transparency and engagement, which alienates constituents who value accountability.

These general and specific concerns are enough to disqualify Eric Sorenson from a second term as Representative of the people of Illinois District 17. We need better political representation and can do far better with Judge Joe McGraw. I give Judge Joe my endorsement and full support for our next representative in Congress.