Joe McGraw

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen and Joe McGraw, the candidates for the 17th Congressional District seat, have contrasting views on a lot of issues, but perhaps their positions are most different on immigration and reproductive rights.

The two candidates for the 17th Congressional District that includes parts of Bloomington-Normal, recently sat for half-hour interviews with WGLT. In the first of two stories, they talk about the budget, the deficit, and the broader economy.

The sprawling district that covers a large, diverse swath of the state is one of the most competitive races this election cycle.

Democratic congressman Eric Sorensen is far outpacing Republican rival Joe McGraw in fundraising with just weeks to go before election day.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is naming McGraw, a retired judge, to its Young Guns program. It provides mentorship and other support to candidates in districts deemed competitive.

Republican Mike Johnson, speaking Saturday in Peoria, predicts victory for his party in November.

Joe McGraw handily defeated Scott Crowl in the Republican primary for the 17th Congressional District on Tuesday. He faces first-term Democratic congressman Eric Sorensen in the November election.

Joe McGraw won the Republican primary in the 17th Congressional District of Illinois on Tuesday. The former judge from Rockford defeated Scott Crowl, a Milan area farmer and former union official.

Joe McGraw, left, and Scott Crowl are running in the 17th Congressional District Republican primary March 19. The winner will face Democrat Eric Sorensen in November.