WARRENVILLE – Republicans in the 14th CD will have an array of candidates to choose from next March if every one that has declared an interest in challenging Democrat Lauren Underwood gets on the 14th CD's GOP primary ballot.
That remains to be seen – but one GOP candidate that hasn't made much noise yet – Jerry Evans – released a detailed plan to combat human trafficking Monday. Evans' ideas to stop human trafficking include:
- Implement campaigns of awareness for the public, public servants, and employees of the industries most likely to confront trafficking to educate on indicators and warnings, points of contact, and victim support.
- Bolster collaboration between federal law enforcement, community, non-profit, and faith-based organizations to combat human trafficking on all levels.
- Decrease demand for illicit prostitution by imposing increased criminal penalties for solicitors and procurers—with even greater consequences for repeat offenders.
- Support holistic healing by establishing funds, safe havens, counseling, medical support, and other reentry services for victims of trafficking to thrive once being freed.
- Strengthen international regulations fighting human trafficking through the expansion of international coalitions, treaties, partnerships, and the securing of our borders.
- Impose sanctions upon and withdraw support from countries that do not meet established standards to combat trafficking.
- Direct intelligence resources to counteract and fight international trafficking regimes.
"Through these measures we can combat modern slavery on every level: tearing it down and dismantling the criminals and organizations that fuel it. I, Jerry Evans, promise to combat this modern form of slavery and restore dignity to the survivors," the candidate said.
Evans owns the Jerry Evans School of Music in Wheaton, Illinois, and manages commercial property in the area. In his campaign announcement ad, he challenges incumbent Democrat Lauren Underwood as a "radical politician" and supports President Donald Trump's policies. Evans, who identifies himself as a conservative, an educator, and a "man of God' in his ad released on social media, supports strong immigration policies, less taxes, debt reduction and says he is "100% pro-life."
Other Republicans in the 14th CD race include Rep. Jim Oberweis, R-Sugar Grove; state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris; financial futures trader Ted Gradel of Naperville; Kendall County Republican Chairman James Marter; Catalina Lauf of Woodstock; Danny Malouf of Crystal Lake; and Anthony Catella of St. Charles.
