Mayor puts foot down on Lipinski move
Monday, Jan 6, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Not good for the incumbent…
* Sun-Times…
Lightfoot did provide a clue that she was at least leaning toward Newman. She posted her tweet over a Jan. 2 tweet from Daily Kos, a progressive outlet supporting Newman that seeks contributions to her campaign: “Democrat” Dan Lipinski just co-signed this legal brief asking the Supreme Court to revisit Roe v. Wade “and, if appropriate, overrule” it … Donate to his progressive challenger, Marie Newman.”
Whether Lightfoot – a progressive who supports abortion rights – will do more than send a tweet to defeat Lipinski is not known. Lightfoot political director Dave Mellet told the Sun-Times on Sunday, “The mayor is still making decisions in the 2020 primary, but she felt compelled to speak out and defend the rights of women.”
The Lipinski campaign declined to comment on Lightfoot’s remarks.
* CBS 2…
Lipinski is facing progressive Democratic challenger Marie Newman in the primary.
Planned Parenthood Illinois Action denounced Lipinksi for signing onto the amicus brief.
“This case could decide the future of abortion access in this country and we will not not silently stand by and let Congressman Lipinski pledge his support for taking away Illinois woman’s right to a safe and legal abortion,” Brigid Leahy, Senior Director of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, said in a news release. “We’ve seen 26 abortion bans pass in 2019, and we’re already seeing people having to cross state lines or wait long times just to access basic health care. If the Supreme Court overturns or severely restricts access to abortion, it could pave the way for states to effectively ban abortion for over 25 million people of reproductive age.”
…Adding… March for Life Chicago…
U.S. Congressmen Dan Lipinski (D-IL) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) are not standing by silently while Governor Pritzker turns Illinois into America’s new “abortion capitol.” The staunchly pro-life federal legislators are crossing partisan lines to speak out against extreme abortion policies. Both U.S. Representatives will speak at Chicago’s Daley Plaza when they take the stage at the January 11 March For Life Chicago 2020.
The Honorable Dan Lipinski, eight-term Democratic congressman from Illinois’ 3rd District, is a long-time defender of Illinois’ women and children and a staunch pro-life advocate.
“Every January, I am proud to brave the cold and join the March for Life Chicago,” shared Lipinski. “As a member of Congress, I work to protect the most vulnerable, and no one is more vulnerable than the child in the womb and that child’s mother. When I speak at the Chicago rally, I am always inspired by all the young people – especially young women – who march because they understand that being pro-life is being pro-woman, and we must all do our part to support both women and their babies. I look forward to once again joining the growing crowd standing for life in Chicago.”
The Honorable Darin LaHood, Republican in the 18th District, has also regularly and resolutely defended his pro-life stance. He has been an active advocate in Congress for protecting life and preserving the rights of the unborn.
Lipinski, elected to Congress in 2004 representing portions of Chicago and its southwest suburbs, firmly adheres to the scientific DNA evidence that life begins at conception. He has fought to protect unborn children and their mothers, and has consistently been a champion of life issues. He co-sponsored the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, the Patients First Act, and the Protect Life Act. Opposing both legalized abortion and stem cell research, Lipinski was the only House Democrat from Illinois to vote against Obamacare.
LaHood also co-sponsored the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, along with the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, and the Life at Conception Act. Representing the Peoria, Springfield, Jacksonville, and Bloomington regions of central Illinois, LaHood has decisively defended his pro-life stance and his commitment to preserve the rights of the unborn.
The March For Life Chicago 2020 starts at 1 p.m. (Central), January 11, at Chicago’s Daley Plaza, and will also feature abortion survivor Claire Culwell, Chicago Bears’ Vice President Pat McCaskey, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod President Dr. Rev. Matthew Harrison, Loyola University Medical Center’s Dr. Karen Deighan, Pro-Life Action League Executive Director Eric Scheidler, and weDignify Student Leader Alex Lehan. Additional details are available at MarchForLifeChicago.org.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:26 pm:
And now the Mayor has tied herself to Newman.
“Don’t make no waves, don’t back no losers.”
Not every fight is worth it your honor. Sometimes the right move is staying above the fray.
- Just Another Anon - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:28 pm:
Whenever someone says (about either party) that “I support a big tent” then follows it up with an absolute, then I’m inclined to believe that that individual either (1) is lying about supporting a big tent or (2) doesn’t understand what that actually means.
- SouthSide Markie - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:31 pm:
My initial reaction is, “Doesn’t she have enough other things to worry about?”
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:32 pm:
=== “Don’t make no waves, don’t back no losers.”===
Same as it ever was.
Unless Lightfoot drags Newman over the finish line, and alienate a good portion of the “party” she wants to still be seen as an outsider leader.
The lack of political aptitude that Lightfoot shows and her crew, continually, is cleaning up or making worse is agin seen in this unneeded venturing… unless Lightfoot is the kingmaker to Newman.
Otherwise… Lightfoot again has marginalized herself… needlessly.
- frontrunner... - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:45 pm:
=== “Don’t make no waves, don’t back no losers.”===
So much smugness here. Say what you will about her, but Newman is well positioned and should be considered the frontrunner.
And if she loses, I don’t think it’ll be all that bad for the mayor that she stood up for Roe.
- A Guy - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:46 pm:
Amen 47 and OW. Although Lynn Sweet has lost any objectivity covering Illinois and may have put a little extra into what the Mayor actually indicated. She is being quoted on the Life issue, so fair is fair. But the bias is beyond with Lynn and has been for years now.
It’s an emotional issue and it has two sides. We can debate all we want to about the numbers on each side; however, neither number is one to ignore or dismiss. It’s possible the portion of the city that includes this district remains a very pro-life area. What influence the Mayor has in the suburban reaches all the way to Will County are questionable at best.
Mayor Lightford was better advised to steer clear on this one. People remember the Newman reaction last time around..not a gracious one.
- A Guy - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:48 pm:
== she stood up for Roe.==
Even though Roe doesn’t stand up for Roe?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:49 pm:
- A Guy -
You voted for Rauner, twice, even after HB40
Your pro-life ridiculousness is noted.
- Quibbler - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:50 pm:
“It’s possible the portion of the city that includes this district remains a very pro-life area.”
Only 13% of the country supports overturning Roe. If there’s any evidence Bridgeport falls within that 13%, that would be news. https://www.npr.org/2019/06/07/730183531/poll-majority-want-to-keep-abortion-legal-but-they-also-want-restrictions
- Fav Human - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:51 pm:
Pretty gutsy move by Lip, knowing he’s got a viable challenger.
He could have played it safe, but didn’t.
- Nick Name - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:53 pm:
===U.S. Congressmen Dan Lipinski (D-IL) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) are not standing by silently while Governor Pritzker turns Illinois into America’s new “abortion capitol.”===
Newsflash, gents, had Rauner somehow won re-election, he would have signed SB 0025 also.
- NeverPoliticallyCorrect - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:53 pm:
Seems like this would be an easy issue for Lightfoot to back in the Chicago area. Very few civic leaders and community groups are willing to take a stand against abortion. It’s certainly consistent with her overall progressive platform.
- Lucky Pierre - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:57 pm:
Practicing Catholics who follow the church doctrine and are pro life are not welcome in the big tent?
There are 3.9 million Catholics in Illinois
- TheInvisibleMan - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 1:57 pm:
Lipinski, if nothing else, has failed to notice the changing direction of the breeze in the past few years.
He didn’t exactly win his last primary in 2018 by a large margin. Newman has a very good chance of beating him in the primary this year.
- Montrose - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 2:10 pm:
“Practicing Catholics who follow the church doctrine and are pro life are not welcome in the big tent?
There are 3.9 million Catholics in Illinois”
And a majority of us Catholics are pro choice. You can put your broad brush away.
https://www.pewforum.org/fact-sheet/public-opinion-on-abortion/
- City Zen - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 2:11 pm:
How does this play with the voters in Bridgeport? How about Oak Lawn? Orland Park?
Beware the spite vote.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 2:12 pm:
=== Practicing Catholics===
Politics treated as a religion never works, as purity to both can’t be achieved.
Those who play off religion in their politics to gain purity also make any party’s tent smaller.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 2:27 pm:
===How does this play with the voters in Bridgeport?===
She won 12 out of 18 Bridgeport precincts in 2018.
- Anyone Remember - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 2:29 pm:
“Practicing Catholics who follow the church doctrine and are pro life are not welcome in the big tent?”
If they support Rick Santorum’s position in the quote below (and many Illinois Catholics do, they don’t have his soundbite talent), no, they’re not welcome. “Rape victims should make the best of a bad situation”
- Groucho - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 2:39 pm:
Basically, even if you agree with 99% of the democratic platform, but are pro-life, you are not welcome into the democratic party’s big tent.
- 45th Ward Libertarian - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 2:45 pm:
Lightfoot has time to do this but no comment on the sudden resignation of her controversial appointment of John Arena?
- Southwest Sider - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 2:48 pm:
Lipinski is certainly principled, although doesn’t represent the majority of the district on abortion rights. And this issue allowed Marie Newman to gather support for a candidacy that may just beat him. There are two other new candidates in this race.
- Jocko - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 2:51 pm:
==being pro-life is being pro-woman==
Unless that woman makes a decision with their body that I disagree with.
- A Guy - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 2:59 pm:
==Your pro-life ridiculousness is noted.==
What is the capacity to be a jerk even when one agrees with you, as I did your first post?
You are the reason I seldom get here as often as I used to. Not your thoughtful responses; the polar opposite.
- 17% Solution - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 3:04 pm:
== Pretty gutsy move by Lip, knowing he’s got a viable challenger.==
It won’t affect his Illinois constituents one bit. It will affect people in other states like Ohio and Missouri. So gutsy like a Yorkshire terroir barking at a pit bull from the safety of his fenced yard? Yeah like that.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 3:06 pm:
- A Guy -
Next time, you leave me out of it. Try that.
I can’t help your hypocrisy on HB40
- Jibba - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 3:08 pm:
This was a bold move by Lip…only 39 Republican senators signed the letter. Many who did not are facing tough re-elections and ducked, knowing that the majority of Americans do not support ending Roe.
Is there room for a pro-life Dem? Yes, but in North Dakota, not Chicago, where he is out of touch with most Dem voters. And there is a big difference between personal beliefs and the desire to force others to believe as you do.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 3:28 pm:
OK frontrunner, but as for smugness, you can take it up with Milton Rakove.
Maybe the Mayor can call Rep. Newman when the Blue Line needs federal funding to rebuild. That’ll probably work out OK.
- NIref - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 3:37 pm:
How does a Democrat with a PhD in political science step in it this deep?
- Bourbon Street - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 3:40 pm:
It would appear that the only “big tent” that Lightfoot approves of is the one in which she gets to be ringmaster.
- Lincoln Lad - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 3:47 pm:
Time for Lipinski to go… but Newman is not likely the horse to do it. If Lightfoot wants to push it, she’ll get national support.
- Telly - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 4:02 pm:
“I’m for a big tent, but…”
Purity tests always shrink the tent. Always.
If a Democratic purity test was applied concerning support for progressive taxation or preserving pension rights, would the mayor survive? She’s made “unpure” comments on both topics.
- Amalia - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 4:04 pm:
for Lightfoot the play is a win no matter what. For Lipinski, that was useless move. He may well lose because of it.
- Jibba - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 4:15 pm:
==For Lipinski, that was useless move.===
I think Lip needs the fervent backing and turnout of pro-lifers from both parties to expect a victory. Progressives were already lost to him. This might have been the best play left. There is speculation about Rs taking a D ballot this spring for mischief, and if they can support a pro-lifer while they are at it, so much the better for them.
- A Guy - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 6:05 pm:
==Next time, you leave me out of it. Try that.==
Generally very easy to do, i.e. ignore you. It’s my general practice with you. Early in the post, you made a wise observation along with another poster. Frankly I acknowledged you were right…even a blind squirrel stumbles upon an acorn every now and then.
Since that post, your posts belie your original position…in other words, status quo. I’ll go back to ignoring you for both of us.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 6:15 pm:
- A Guy -
Your hypocrisy and silliness is still noted. Can’t beguile folks in an abortion issue when you *think* you have one, but you just vote against it anyway. I called you on it. You don’t like that, even if you think it’s you being “nice”
=== I acknowledged you were right…even a blind squirrel stumbles upon an acorn every now and then.===
Your “kindness” wasn’t even done in kindness. When someone tells you who they are, believe them.
Don’t hurt yourself patting that back of yours, you need to be in good shape walking that endless precinct, we need that insight, LOL
To the post,
I do think if Lightfoot can show some transference of political goodwill for another, that will be bigger and more impressive. Jim Edgar had that, then lost it once he was a former governor.
Still, risky, unless Lightfoot goes all-in, and that translates to votes. Not the way I’d think is smart, but…
- Southwest Sider - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 7:31 pm:
I just saw Lipinski on TV. The whole situation looked awful. Horrible publicity for him. Not a difficult decision for Lightfoot. This is his last term.
- Excitable Boy - Monday, Jan 6, 20 @ 9:44 pm:
- Maybe the Mayor can call Rep. Newman when the Blue Line needs federal funding to rebuild. -
The old indispensable man theory, favored by Daley and Rahm sycophants. I guess nothing ever got done without insiders.
- A Guy - Tuesday, Jan 7, 20 @ 7:42 am:
==The old indispensable man theory==
Maybe it was favored because it worked-on both sides of the aisle; Rosty, Lip, Lip Jr., Annunzio, Russo, Yates, Hayes, Washington, Metcafe, Hyde, Hastert, Porter, etc. Even Crane for heaven’s sake.
Who’s providing the funding now for the city with the Administration? Schakowsky? Schneider? Davis? Chuy? Kelly gets a little credit. Transportation and Utilities are huge for Chicago and this region. Where are the great statespersons on the committees that appropriate those funds?