PEORIA, Ill. – In a sense, a Democrat made history during Tuesday’s primary election in Illinois.
Former TV meteorologist in the Quad Cities and Rockford, Eric Sorensen, secured the Democratic nomination for Cheri Bustos’ 17th Congressional District seat in the House, after Bustos decided not to run again.
“I am honored to have won the Democratic nomination and have earned the support of thousands of voters across northwest and central Illinois to represent Illinois’ 17th district,” said Sorensen, in a statement. “I congratulate my opponents on well-run campaigns, and look forward to working with them to win this critical seat in November.”
In previous elections, Republicans in the district at least twice ran former TV anchors unsuccessfully in attempts to unseat late former Congressman Lane Evans, and his successor, Phil Hare.
“Congratulations to Eric Sorensen on his victory tonight,” said Bustos, in a statement. “Illinoisans deserve a representative who will fight for working families, help build our local economy and continue to lift up Midwestern voices. Eric will do that.”
Sorensen faces Esther Joy King, who lost to Bustos two years ago, in November.
Meantime, incumbent Secretary of State Jesse White’s pick to replace him — Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, was unsuccessful — being bested by former State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. Giannoulias will face State Rep. Dan Brady in November.
(File-Will Stevenson/1470 & 100.3 WMBD)
Valencia was hampered by corruption allegations, while Giannoulias mostly declined to debate Valencia or the other candidates.
“While I am disappointed I will not have the chance to serve Illinois residents as our next Secretary of State, I want to congratulate Alexi Giannoulias on his victory tonight,” said Valencia, in a statement. “It’s critically important that Democrats hold this office in November, and I will do whatever I can to help ensure that happens.”
And, in Peoria, the Democrat candidate for a seat on the Peoria County Board from District Two, Camille Coates, defeated Peoria Public School Board Vice President, Martha Ross. Coates would face Jorell Glass in November. Glass did not have opposition in the primary.
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