Two Dems say they’ll challenge Lipinski
Tuesday, Apr 16, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
A lawyer and political newcomer from Bridgeport announced Monday that he plans to challenge eight-term U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski in the 2020 Democratic primary.
Abe Matthew, 32, made the announcement in a one-minute video posted on Twitter. […]
Matthew said that in the 2018 Democratic primary, he voted for challenger Marie Newman, a La Grange businesswoman who gave Lipinski the toughest challenge of his political career, garnering 49 percent of the vote in a district that stretches from the Southwest Side to the south and southwest suburbs. Lipinski, a conservative Democrat, easily won re-election, defeating Arthur J. Jones of Lyons, a Holocaust denier with neo-Nazi ties.
Newman has said she is exploring another run and has raised nearly $7,000 through political crowdfunding website Crowdpac.
That homemade video is here.
* Early this morning, Newman all of a sudden sent out an e-mail announcing her candidacy. Here’s the Sun-Times coverage..
Democrat Marie Newman, after spending several months exploring a rematch against Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Ill., on Tuesday made it official and said she would run again for the seat, setting up the biggest Chicago-area congressional 2020 primary.
The 3rd Congressional District race comes in what may well be a different political climate, with Newman’s progressive wing of the party gaining strength. At the same time, the House political operation, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, led by Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., is committed to supporting incumbents, a policy some activist freshmen Democrats oppose. […]
In the March 2018 primary, Lipinski defeated Newman by only 2,145 votes, or 51.1 percent to 48.9 percent, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
The district includes several parts of wards on the Southwest Side and stretches into the western suburbs. A big vote for Lipinski from old Democratic machine city precincts contributed to his victory.
- Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:03 am:
I don’t like Lipinski. Wish he wasn’t there. I like Marie Newman. But I just don’t think this kind of purity testing is productive for Democrats.
- Because I said so.... - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:08 am:
I have never been a fan of Lipinski’s, especially how he got into office. He doesn’t represent my Democratic view and that of many people in the district.
I supported Newman the last go around but her words and tone on election night and after really turned me off. She didn’t concede with any class and was down right bitter. Losing a hard fought election is tough, I get it. But she showed her character and that is not someone I want representing me. I guess I will give Abe Matthew a look.
- Powdered Whig - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:09 am:
The nasty things that came out of Newman’s mouth after the last primary show she doesn’t have the temperament for that job.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:11 am:
===show she doesn’t have the temperament for that job===
LOL
Did you just wake up from a long nap?
Look, she was an ungracious loser. But I’ve seen much worse.
- NIU Grad - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:12 am:
I’m pretty sure a three-way contest guarantees a Lipinski win, so all the debate between these two challengers might end up being moot.
- Powdered Whig - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:13 am:
=== Did you just wake up from a long nap? ===
I wish, Rich. Iv’e been pretty sleep deprived.
- A guy - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:14 am:
===show she doesn’t have the temperament for that job===
Her actions may have given him the boost he needs going forward.
- Room for Us - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:18 am:
I am a big supporter of Lipinski. I was not in the beginning but over the years, he has earned my support. My other politicians have gotten into office after their Father previously held the job but in the end it comes down to how they do the job. Lipinski is very active in the district which is the biggest reason that he won.
- brickle - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:19 am:
If anything, Newman not biting her tongue on how terrible Lipinski is only makes me like her more.
Can’t wait until this retrograde nepotistic husk no longer represents me.
- State Sen. Clay Davis - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:19 am:
Potential Newman staffers would be wise to do their due diligence. The election night behavior was an example, not an exception.
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:19 am:
Newman went out a sore loser…
Not seeing much of a change in tone here.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:20 am:
–The nasty things that came out of Newman’s mouth after the last primary show she doesn’t have the temperament for that job.–
So, you think her “temperament” makes her more suited for president?
- Powdered Whig - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:20 am:
And Rich, I agree that there have been worse (just look at the President). Quite frankly I’m sick of it all and I wouldn’t vote for anyone that shows this type of behavior (or worse).
- Last Bull Moose - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:21 am:
The Republicans need to nominate a young pro-choice climate change believer. That would give them a chance to win.
- Powdered Whig - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:23 am:
=== So, you think her “temperament” makes her more suited for president? ===
See my comment above Word. I loathe the President and his grade school antics.
- Question - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:23 am:
The real question is, who is going up against art jones on the gop side?
- Al - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:24 am:
Lipinski’s extreme views opposing abortion and medical cannabis makes him a Mark. Concur, more than one primary opponent gives the incumbent an edge. Should be an entertaining race. Sure this is not the last we will read about this district. I imagine Congressman Dan will hold on until Congressional redistricting in 2022.
- Room for Us - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:26 am:
Many not My
I hostility towards Lipinski just makes me support him more. He is old school Democrat and there is nothing wrong with that
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:28 am:
- Last Bull Moose -
Anyone who is not an avowed Nazi would be an upgrade.
- Room for us - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:30 am:
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:20 am:
Hostility is plentiful in both parties and by supporters in both parties. Pointing to other bad behavior doesn’t excuse her bad behavior. It is all wrong as is the attacks on the President. I am
Not a supporter of the President but the attacks are on all sides
- Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:32 am:
Many GOPers are perfectly fine with Lipinski, which is another indicator of why the progressives want him out. A 3 plus way primary sets up well for him. To his credit, he has been the most active at holding Amtrak’s feet to the fire for the repeated Union Station messes.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:33 am:
As it stands today, it will be difficult for map makers to keep Lipinski’s seat and Rush’s and Kelly’s, given Chicago’s declining population. Davis’ too will need to be reconfigured in a way to accommodate the growing Latinx population. So, the quickest way to eliminate Lipinski’s district would be to take him out. I doubt the map makers will go out of their way to protect Newman, or Matthew for that matter, in 2022.
- Nick Name - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:36 am:
===defeating Arthur J. Jones of Lyons, a Holocaust denier with neo-Nazi ties.===
Just say Nazi, Tribune. It isn’t that hard.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:38 am:
===given Chicago’s declining population===
Meh. They’ll move further into the suburbs. Downstate will probably lose the seat.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:39 am:
–The Republicans need to nominate a young pro-choice climate change believer. That would give them a chance to win.–
Do you think such a candidate could beat the 2018 GOP nominee in that district? Or anyone else who would contest the primary?
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:44 am:
–As it stands today, it will be difficult for map makers to keep Lipinski’s seat and Rush’s and Kelly’s, given Chicago’s declining population.–
Much of those districts are already in the suburbs.
I’m envisioning a new county-lovers dream district for Bost and Shimkus to fight over.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:45 am:
===Downstate will probably lose the seat===
Agreed, if we only lose one seat.
- Roman - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:50 am:
With a presidential primary bringing a much bigger, younger, and more liberal electorate to the polls next year, the Lipper is in serious jeopardy. What’s left of the old ward organizations in the city portion of the district might not be enough to save him.
Also a big problem for the Lipper: the still pending federal lawsuit against Madigan’s organization for allegedly packing the primary ballot with sham candidates. Team Lipinski has employed similar strategies in the past. Some serious risk in going down that path again.
Newman is not as strong of a candidate as some think. And unlike last time, Lipinski will take nothing for granted. So, I wouldn’t bury him yet. But he’s probably the underdog right now.
- Regular democrat - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:56 am:
I believe Lipinski has a big meeting with railroad execs which im sure will garner positive media. Probably why she picked today
- Last Bull Moose - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 11:11 am:
Titanic and Word. Last time the Republicans let a Nazi run under their name. The party cannot let that happen again.
Smart party officials would clear the way for someone who could win.
- @misterjayem - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 11:12 am:
Abe Matthew is an attorney who re-tweets the Onion and named his son “Atticus”
Folks could do much worse.
– MrJM
- illini - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 11:24 am:
“===Downstate will probably lose the seat===
We have seen this play out before when Phelps had to decide if he would challenge Johnson or Shimkus. And now there are 3 Repubs ( Shimkus, Bost and Davis ) one of whom may become endangered.
And it is actually possible that Illinois may lose two seats. One is almost assured.
- Room for us - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 11:24 am:
- Al - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:24 am:
Being Pro-life is not extreme.
- Fav human - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 11:45 am:
The wave candidates need to realize that if they missed the wave it’s not going to be as big the next time.
It’s not rocket science lip worked his district and won. Nobody can expect he’s going to be taken by surprise again. And what’s left of the machine needs him to deliver stuff for them. With city hall gone, they need Lip more than ever.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 11:47 am:
===it’s not going to be as big the next time===
Yes, because the GOP always does so well here in presidential years.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 11:48 am:
–Smart party officials would clear the way for someone who could win.–
The same crowd who didn’t challenge the Nazi still hold leadership posts.
And I seriously doubt anyone, if they were so inclined, could clear a GOP primary for a pro-choice candidate who believes climate change is real. That GOP has been long gone for some time now.
- Fav human - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:01 pm:
“wave”
I mean more of the “traditional” D will be out voting in the primary. Lip should benefit from that.
- Roman - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:18 pm:
== I mean more of the “traditional” D will be out voting in the primary. ==
The exact opposite is more likely. Presidential elections bring out irregular voters, who will be more liberal than the “traditional” voter Lipinski will count on. Lipinski may gut this thing out, but it won’t be because he gets a more favorable electorate than he faced in the ‘18 primary.
- ChrisB - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:24 pm:
Despite the national headwinds, the cliche, “All politics is local” exists for a reason. Rep. Lipinski’s work on getting the Metra on track these past couple of months should give him a boost. He’s getting high visibility press hits as a “hard working Congressman for his district” since January.
Plus, you have an uncontested GOP presidential and a highly contested Dem presidential primary. I feel like there will be a lot of crossover ballots, which won’t help the progressive Dems here.
- Practical Politics - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:32 pm:
The Republicans have not managed to make a serious contest in this district since Bill Lipinski was in office. Jim Nalepa lost in a close race in 1994.
Bill Lipinski had some GOP fans in his corner in Cicero and Riverside townships too.
- Illinois Resident - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:40 pm:
Lipinski is a DINO. Progressive policy is mainstream, ie medicare for all, higher minimum wage, tuition free college. Looking forward to Lipinski losing.
- Illinois Resident - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:44 pm:
Chicago Cynic - Purity test? Like healthcare for all? Like not getting bribed by corporations and special interests? If promoting policies that actually help the people are considered purity tests, then purity tests are exactly what we need.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:45 pm:
===Rep. Lipinski’s work on getting the Metra on track===
They’re on track? Coulda fooled me.
- Illinois Resident - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:47 pm:
Powdered Whig - Maybe focus more on policy then temperament. You know, the things that actually affect people.
- Powdered Whig - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:56 pm:
=== Progressive policy is mainstream, ie medicare for all, higher minimum wage, tuition free college. Looking forward to Lipinski losing. ===
“Progressive” policy is not mainstream or else we would be seeing more of these policies enacted. I do believed they are gaining popularity, but I would caution a Congressional candidate with promising free college tuition when the federal budget deficit is expected to reach $1 trillion this year and the national debt is over $21 trillion.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/10/16/government-spending-how-rising-federal-debt-deficit-impact-americans/1589889002/
- #neverURLrequired - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:56 pm:
3 candidates will benefit someone, but it maybe this Matthew character will be to Lipinski what Joyce was to Daley.
Depends how progressive he is and how much momentum his campaign can get. Also a dual purpose of a marketing campaign for his law practice (relevancy, a la Chico-style)
- Powdered Whig - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:59 pm:
=== Powdered Whig - Maybe focus more on policy then temperament. You know, the things that actually affect people. ===
Temperament is a strong indicator of decision making ability. Poor temperament usually leads to knee-jerk reactions and poor decision making. We do not need more of those type of people in Washington.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 12:59 pm:
===I would caution a Congressional candidate with promising free college tuition===
lol
Yeah, but make extra sure to promise endless defense industry contracts.
- Powdered Whig - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 1:02 pm:
=== Yeah, but make extra sure to promise endless defense industry contracts. ===
Well, yeah… Lipinski needs to cut that out too. We need to re-evaluate our defense spending budget.
- TNR - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 1:02 pm:
== I believe Lipinski has a big meeting with railroad execs which im sure will garner positive media. ==
Unless one of the media folks looks up how much money those railroad execs have paid Lipinski’s father in consulting fees.
- Chunga - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 1:03 pm:
The more candidates there are in the primary, The more beneficial that is for lip. Especially if you have candidates trying to say there are progressive than each other
- Amalia - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 1:19 pm:
most of the Dems who are critical have never met Cong. Lipinski. they just go on certain positions. they don’t know what he is like in conversation, and they don’t think about his work and his position on key infrastructure issues. if he still has a district to run in, and he wins, there would be a member with seniority who is, I believe, currently co chairing a transportation sub committee. these things matter as the Chicago area is a transportation hub and illinois can use more positioning on the matter.
- ChrisB - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 1:25 pm:
@Rich
I didn’t say he was done, but calling out Metra and Amtrak officials to get their “stuff” together is a welcome sight in this commuter’s eyes.
Plus, I thought it was a good pun.
- Anyone Remember - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 2:55 pm:
Wordslinger -
“I’m envisioning a new county-lovers dream district for Bost and Shimkus to fight over.” If Davis wins in 2020, his district disappears somehow (Taylorville gets put in LaHood’s district?). Then, does Shimkus step down and endorse his former employee, Rodney Davis?
- Al - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 3:24 pm:
Room-For-Us: Forcing 9 year old children to birth babies is extreme to Adults. It is not extreme to the hysterical.