From left to right you see Green Party candidate Gus Philpott, Democrat Mike Mahon and incumbent Republican Sheriff Keith Nygren at the McHenry County TEA Party debate.

While it will be interesting to listen to the three Sheriff’s and two Clerk’s candidates debate tonight at 7 at McHenry County College’s Conference Center, most media types will probably be watching whether sponsor McHenry County League of Women Voters will be start the proceedings with the Pledge of Allegiance.

I’ve been giving this some thought and concluded that in times of heightened disagreement, such as right before an election, the Pledge should be welcomed for its unifying effect.

We all are, after all,

“One nation, under God”

My guess is that the McHenry County League of Women Voters will be more savy than their Lake County colleagues and lead off with the Pledge.

The League is not sponsoring a candidate’s night for state representative, even though both races are contested. The group has done so in the past. Every time I ran, I think.