Democratic Primaries
In reply to the discussion: Joe Biden's long evolution on abortion rights still holds surprises [View all]melman
(7,681 posts)No? Well let me remind you.
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Illinois Democratic Rep. Dan Lipinskis career is on life-support. The seven-term congressman from the Chicago area, who inherited his seat from his father, is facing a formidable primary challenge from businesswoman Marie Newman, whose campaign has been fueled by progressive anger at Lipinskis opposition to reproductive rights, LGBT rights, and Obamacare. EMILYs List, the national organization that supports pro-choice women candidates, has backed Newman and, along with a host of progressive groupsincluding Planned Parenthood and the pro-LGBT rights Human Rights Campaignhas spent heavily on ads against Lipinski
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2018/03/nancy-pelosi-just-endorsed-a-congressman-who-opposes-abortion-and-gay-rights/
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Lipinski has ruffled liberal feathers for years with his staunch opposition to abortion, his vote against ObamaCare, repeated efforts to resist an expansion of LGBT rights and his position on immigration, including a vote against the Dream Act in 2010. During the Trump administration, when those issues have risen to prominence and the "Me Too" movement against sexual harassment and assault is sweeping the country, Newmans liberal supporters say the time is ripe for Lipinski to go.
The people of Illinois' 3rd district want a pro-health care, pro-immigrant, pro-woman, pro-LGBTQ Member of Congress to represent them in Washington, Schakowsky said in endorsing Newman. Unfortunately, the current member does not reflect those values.
The Democratic leaders have given Lipinski more than just their endorsements. Both Hoyer and Crowley have contributed thousands of dollars to Lipinskis campaign this cycle.
The endorsement from Pelosi is particularly notable. She was the leading force behind the passage of ObamaCare in the House, has been a life-long champion of LGBT rights and access to abortion, the Dream Act was among her last victories as House Speaker, and Lipinski has regularly voted against her in the lower chambers biennial leadership races.
Still, Pelosi didnt hesitate this month when asked if she supported the Illinois Blue Dog.
Yes, I do, she said.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/377660-dem-leaders-rally-behind-lipinski-in-tough-primary-contest
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided