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The
district, which was held by U.S. Rep. Cherri Bustos before she
announced she wasn't seeking another term, was redrawn by
Democrats in what some say was a blatant case of gerrymandering,
but the move may backfire.
Bustos, D-Moline, is backing Democrat Eric Sorenson, a former TV
weatherman. He faces Republican Esther Joy King, an Army veteran
who narrowly lost to Bustos in 2020.
King said her focus is on crime and the economy, as Democratic
spending policies are hurting American families.
“We need accountability for this one-party control that is
implementing policies that are costing every single family more
than $6,000 a year right now with no end in sight,” said King.
Sorenson is a first-time candidate with name recognition in the
Rockford area for being on television. He also would be the
first openly gay member of the Illinois congressional delegation
if he’s elected. There was no response from repeated attempts
for comment from his campaign.
During a recent debate at Bradley University, both candidates
were asked if there was an issue that they could agree with the
opposing political party. Sorenson said there's common ground on
securing the southern U.S. border.
“We need to make sure that we know every person that’s crossing
the border, and we have to secure it,” said Sorenson. “That also
means that we’re securing the ability for migrant farm workers
to achieve the visas that they need.”
“We have to support our communities here with resources to help
settle immigrants, help them get plugged in to find jobs, so
that they can contribute to the community,” said King.
The 17th Congressional District encompasses northwest Illinois,
and includes Rockford, Peoria, Bloomington-Normal and the Quad
Cities.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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