JOLIET - The only public debate among Republican candidates for the Congressional seat vacated by Jesse Jackson, Jr. will be held at the Will County Fair Atrium in Peotone, Illinois at 7:30 PM on Thursday, January 17, 2013. The Will County Republican Central Committee and the Kankakee County Republican Central Committee are co-sponsors of the event.
Following the debate, organizers will conduct a straw poll with results released to the public.
All candidates who file nomination petitions will be invited to attend. Expected to attend are Dr. Eric Wallace, Diane Harris, Lenny McAlister, Paul McKinley and James Taylor.
"The people of the Second Congressional District have been voting Democratic since the 1960's. Since then, unemployment and poverty has increased. Republican ideas offer people real economic opportunities and the best chance to have a better life," Edward Ronkowski, chairman of the Will County GOP said. "The voters of the Second Congressional District should send a message that they are tired of their communities being shortchanged and vote for the Republican alternative."
Darrel Smith, Kankakee Republican Chairman agreed with Ronkowski.
"With Cook County Democrats unable to unite behind one candidate, I believe this debate is a great opportunity for residents in the Second District to see how Republicans offer a real choice," he said.
