Rockford Sun

Judge Joe McGraw, who is vying for the 17th Congressional District seat, has voiced his concerns about the escalating cost of living. He holds President Joe Biden and incumbent Representative Eric Sorensen responsible for what he describes as their "out-of-control spending agenda." McGraw underscored the increasing expenses and attributed the soaring prices to the economic policies of the present administration.

“Everything from Christmas trees to groceries is more expensive this year,” McGraw said on Facebook. “Joe Biden and Eric Sorensen are the reason why.”

He supplemented his comments with an image and further stated, "Joe Biden and Eric Sorensen’s out-of-control spending agenda is raising costs, taxes, and crushing family budgets. You deserve a representative in Congress that understands how to balance a budget so you can keep more of your hard-earned paycheck."

The New York Post reinforced these sentiments, stating that consumers are indeed wrestling with the reality of rising prices across various sectors. 

"No, you’re not imagining it — the price of just about everything in your life is getting more expensive," the publication reported.  

Despite Biden’s optimistic interpretation of recent inflation figures, the Post pointed out that compared to October 2020, prices have escalated by an astonishing 18.2%. Essential food items have seen substantial price increases. For instance, a dozen grade-A eggs have surged by 47% to $2.07 from $1.41, while a pound of ground coffee beans now costs $6.18 compared to $4.52 in 2020. This upward trend extends beyond groceries; housing costs are also affected with rent rising over 20% in the past three years and monthly mortgage payments increasing by 42.9%. The automotive industry and fuel prices have also experienced significant hikes.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October recorded a 3.2% increase from the previous year. Economists are uncertain about a potential slowdown in inflation, projecting that price increases may continue over the next six to 12 months. Despite this, Biden continues to promote his "Bidenomics" agenda, which aims to reduce the government’s deficit. However, recent data from the Treasury reveals a doubling of the deficit from $1 trillion to $2 trillion over the past year, further stoking the ongoing economic debate.

McGraw, who has served as a prosecutor, private attorney, and retired Circuit Court judge, announced his candidacy for the 17th Congressional District in mid-October. He is preparing for a tough race against incumbent Sorensen, who narrowly clinched victory in 2022. McGraw's campaign focuses on law-and-order principles. He leverages his judicial experience to address urban crime and immigration issues. His policy positions include support for a border wall, comprehensive immigration reform advocacy, and favoring state regulation over federal intervention in abortion matters, according to Pantagraph.

The 17th Congressional District that McGraw seeks to represent is highly contested. According to the Census Bureau’s map, it includes Carroll, Fulton, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Stephenson, Tazewell, Warren Whiteside and Winnebago counties.