March 17 Matters and Here’s Why

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

The University of Chicago Institute of Politics, WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times, and International House recently covered the three frontrunner Democratic candidates running for the open U.S. Senate seat in Illinois for the upcoming Primary on March 17^th.

The debate featured candidates Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL, District 2), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL, District 8), and Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton.

I watched the debate so that you wouldn’t have to and these are the big takeaways.

The left-wing positions of these candidates is no surprise; yet they should shout to voters (especially Christians) the importance of  showing up to vote on March 17^th.

Lt. Gov. Stratton is running on the policy proposition to abolish ICE (Immigration Customs and Enforcement) – claiming that the entire agency “cannot be reformed.” What reforms? She doesn’t say. What she also doesn’t mention is that these ICE agents are putting their lives on the line when they go into hostile areas to arrest and deport criminal illegals who have committed crimes against U.S. citizens while illegally here on U.S. soil.

As a result, crime has decreased in many major cities because of their dangerous work.

Maybe someone should remind Lt. Gov. Stratton that former-President Barak Obama continues to hold the record for the most illegal immigrant deportations – 3 million to be exact.

Former-President Joe Biden also deported hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants during his presidency.

The federal agency that was used? ICE.

The only reason Democrats are now decrying the use of ICE and their tactics to deport illegal immigrants is because it is now a Republican successfully doing it.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi and Congresswoman Kelly are  united on their desire to abolish ICE as well and they want to “impeach Kristi Noem” – calling her work a “reign of terror.”

I don’t think I need to explain how devastating this would be for the safety of our state and our country if they get into office.

Lt. Gov. Stratton proposes another piece of legislation that should make everyone nervous. Her solution to “making life more affordable” is not to cut taxation for everyone or stop the insane funding that goes into the public school system and teachers unions every year.

No – her solution is putting “a tax increase on those making a million dollar or more and corporations.”

A class in basic economics would address the flaws in her reasoning.

Lt. Gov. Stratton, along with most Democrats, don’t seem to understand that it is the wealthy who employ and give benefits to the middle and lower class in our communities.

“Taxing the wealthy,” while it sounds good in principle, only leads to more poverty in every class level of society.

More taxes on the wealthy will ensure that jobs will be cut or benefits will be shortened – leading to fewer incentives to own businesses or employ others.

Essentially, this is the perfect recipe for a socialist society where everyone is “equal.” Though it’s never worked in every socialist country, they think they can make it work here.

As it relates to abortion, Lt. Gov. Stratton is

“proud of her and Gov. Pritzker’s record… of making Illinois an island of reproductive freedom.”

When you decode that flowery language, what she actually means is that she is proud that Illinois is one of the leading states for the murder of children.

It is imperative that you do your God-given duty on March 17^th and vote for the principles that will actually lead to a better, more biblical society.

For decades, primaries have been the lowest for voter turnout, and this is unacceptable. God has given us in America the gift of self-governance. To shirk that duty in any way is dangerous.

Never before in Illinois’ history have there been more open-seat opportunities where long-time incumbent legislators are retiring, leaving these seats very vulnerable to be taken over by conservatives.

These retired seats include 1 U.S. Senate seat, 5 Congressional seats, 10 Illinois State Representative seats and 4 Illinois State Senate seats.

“It’s the highest political turnover in state history. Which means unlike many years in Illinois, your vote actually holds real weight,” according to the Illinois Policy Institute.

Staying out of the Primary election on March 17^th assures the status quo.

It is critical that you vote your values on March 17^th.

TAKE ACTION: Click here to order your 2026 Primary Voter Guide.