PEORIA, Ill. — It was a full room at Bradley University’s Alumni Center on Monday night for a debate between Illinois’ 17th congressional district hopefuls.
Republican candidate Esther Joy King has a law degree and served as a JAG Officer in the Army Reserve. She narrowly lost the last election to Cheri Bustos, who is not running for re-election.
Democrat Eric Sorensen was a Meteorologist for two decades before entering the political world.
Topics discussed Monday night included the state of democracy in the United States, immigration, political party support and beyond.
As for global support, both have very different takes on the war in Ukraine and supporting the people there.
“Ukraine wouldn’t have happened if Putin hadn’t been emboldened by Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan,” said Esther Joy King.
“We have to stand with our allies 100%… It’s not putting a rubber stamp on something, these are peoples lives,” said Sorensen.
According to 25 News, one thing both candidates agree on, however, is the need for immigration reform.
Both mentioned new policies are necessary to protect bordering communities, law enforcement and the migrants themselves.
King believes migrants are fueling the fentanyl crisis in the United States, while Sorensen believes the governor of Texas is moving migrants around the country as political pawns.
King took several shots at the Biden administration and Nancy Pelosi.
Sorensen made multiple references about January 6th and how if elected, he would bring people together.
