OREGON — On Tuesday morning, Ogle County State’s Attorney Eric Morrow announced his campaign for re-election.
Morrow, a Republican, was first elected to the position in 2014 to fill out the term of John “Ben” Roe who was elected Resident Circuit Judge. Morrow was re-elected Ogle County State’s Attorney in 2016.
After being introduced by Retired Ogle County Resident Circuit Judge Michael Mallon Ogle County State’s Attorney, Morrow, publicly announced his bid on the steps of the historic Ogle County Courthouse in Oregon.
“It is truly an honor to once again have a retired Resident Circuit Judge of Ogle County and Chief Judge of the 15th judicial circuit announce my candidacy for re-election as your Ogle County States Attorney. I am humbled that Judge Mallon has again agreed to Chair my campaign, and is working very hard on my behalf,” Morrow said. “I would like to welcome everyone here today for the official announcement of my campaign for re-election to the office of Ogle County State’s Attorney.”
Morrow continued his announcement by highlighting his experience as Ogle County State’s Attorney.
“Over six years ago at my announcement of my candidacy for the office of Ogle County State’s Attorney, I shared my belief that the State’s Attorney is a critical officeholder for any county in the State of Illinois and that I believed that he or she should reflect the values of the community that they serve. That belief still rings true today and during the nearly five years that I have served as your State’s Attorney I have reflected those values through honesty, dedication and hard work.”

As State’s Attorney I have built and maintained an office that has served this county well. The level of experience of the attorneys in our office is unmatched in any office of our size. I have been a practicing attorney in Ogle County for nearly two decades. Three of the four assistant State’s Attorney’s in our office have at least that much legal experience. This experience means that our office is equipped to successfully prosecute any and all possible types of cases and bring offenders to justice. Attorneys with this level of experience also are able to recognize that all cases and fact patterns are unique and require unique resolutions,” Morrow added.
During his time as State’s Attorney, Morrow has also built his staff to provide for the citizens of Ogle County.
“In addition to the legal experience in our office, we have a professional and experienced team of support staff which provide great customer service to our citizens. I am especially proud of the services which we provide to those who have been the victims of crimes in Ogle County. Above all, we strive to assist those who have been harmed by the crimes of others,” he said.
Morrow has increased the level of technology in the State’s Attorney’s Office and has moved toward automation of the office to increase efficiency and streamline the flow of information. In collaboration with our Circuit Clerk Kim Stahl, a computerized case management system in the State’s Attorney’s Office which is funded by court system user fees and not tax payer dollars has been implemented.
“The paramount duty of the State’s Attorney is to safeguard public safety. As a result, my office has vigorously prosecuted violent offenders and those who prey on the citizens of Ogle County,” Morrow said. “These offenders need to be punished and incarcerated to protect the public. We also recognize that there are some offenders who commit non-violent offenses due to substance addiction. These offenders require a different approach.”
Morrow was part of the founding team of the county’s New Horizon Drug Court program.
“In 2009, I was a part of the founding team of the Ogle County New Horizons Drug. Since our drug court was started, this program has helped non-violent drug addicted individuals who have committed crimes get their lives on track and become productive and law-abiding citizens. Make no mistake, this is not a program for violent offenders and the individuals in drug court are held accountable,” Morrow said.
During his tenure as State’s Attorney, Morrow has worked with the judiciary, probation, law enforcement and community partners to expand the drug court model into a DUI court which makes roadways safer.
“The expansion has been accomplished without an increase in staffing in the State’s Attorney’s office. These problem-solving courts bring together many resources to save our county money, and most importantly prevent crime in our communities,” Morrow explained. “I am very thankful to all the good people of Ogle County who have supported me. All of your efforts are appreciated. In order to continue the good work that we are doing in the State’s Attorney’s office, I am again asking for that support.”
A meet-and-greet fundraiser for Morrow will be held on Oct. 16 at the Rochelle VFW from 4 to 7 p.m.
“I am asking for your vote on March 17th, to continue to serve as your Ogle County State’s Attorney,” Morrow concluded.