Congressional roundup
Monday, Feb 10, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Sun-Times…
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Saturday endorsed Marie Newman in her bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Ill., giving Newman’s campaign a key progressive boost ahead of the Chicago area’s biggest Democratic primary contest next month.
Lightfoot previously signaled her support for the challenger last month, declaring it was Lipinski’s “time to leave” after the eight-term, anti-abortion incumbent co-signed a legal brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit the Roe V. Wade decision.
But after declining to name her candidate, Chicago’s first black female and openly gay mayor formally announced she was “proud to endorse Marie Newman” in the heated 3rd Congressional District primary. […]
The Newman backing helps Lightfoot burnish her progressive credentials, but it also puts her at odds with state House Speaker Mike Madigan, a strong Lipinski backer whose support Ligthfoot will need in her efforts to secure a Chicago casino.
I wouldn’t be too certain that Madigan is still a super-strong Lipinski backer. Madigan was a big supporter of Dan’s father, but the son is a different matter. He’s not big on listening.
* Tribune…
Their much younger political opponents say they are out of touch, aren’t visible enough in their districts and, after spending decades in office, miss important meetings and votes in Washington. The challengers say this shows it’s simply time for newer, younger energy.
But U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Bobby Rush, two titans of Chicago’s Democratic political scene who have outlasted presidents, mayors and aldermen, say there’s more for them to do.
Davis and his South Side colleague, Rush, each have three challengers in the March 17 primary election.
* The most recent BGA/Politifact report…
Ives said Casten “demanded the impeachment of the Republican President before the Mueller report was even released.”
Mueller’s report was released on April 18, 2019. Casten called for an impeachment inquiry on June 20, 2019, and announced publicly he would vote in favor of impeachment on Dec. 12, 2019. So Ives’ timeline doesn’t track.
We rate her claim False.
Ives countered with a diatribe and this…
It was a joke, but point taken.
* NRCC…
Hey there –
In the ongoing ComEd corruption probe, federal prosecutors are now zeroing in on lobbyist Michael McClain who wrote the bombshell ‘Rape In Champaign’ email.
McClain, a close confidant of Michael Madigan, is also one of Betsy Dirksen Londrigan’s donors.
So far Betsy’s been silent as to why she accepts money from corrupt ComEd lobbyists who cover up rape.
Not exactly Midwest values…
He gave her $450 in 2018.
* Related…
* Southern Illinois could lose another congressman. Will rural voices still matter?
* Londrigan fourth quarter fundraising outpaces Davis
* Rezin, Oberweis Among GOP Senators Calling for Suspension of Automatic Voter Registration, Investigation
- City Zen - Monday, Feb 10, 20 @ 12:48 pm:
How have Davis’ and Rush’s challengers differentiated themselves from each other, let alone the current office holders? Or are they content on splitting 30% of the vote 3 ways?
- Named Nick - Monday, Feb 10, 20 @ 1:16 pm:
That IL13 news should not be overlooked: “Londrigan was one of six Democratic House challengers nationwide who raised more than the Republican she is trying to unseat, but of among the six, she is one of three who ended the quarter with more money than the incumbent.”
- Rich Miller - Monday, Feb 10, 20 @ 1:17 pm:
===That IL13 news should not be overlooked===
I had a post about it last week.
- low level - Monday, Feb 10, 20 @ 1:31 pm:
“He’s not big on listening”. Lol. Jim Laski’s book talks about his privileged upbringing… still, not sure this is a good move by MLL.
If Dan wins, which is very likely against two challengers and his courting of conservatives who dont have much to vote for in the GOP primary, thats going to make for a very difficult relationship w the incumbent.
- Leatherneck - Monday, Feb 10, 20 @ 1:33 pm:
Don’t forget that Stefanie Smith is running against Londrigan for the IL-13 Democratic primary.
Although unlikely IMO, what happens if Smith pulls off the upset on Mar. 17?
- Practical Politics - Monday, Feb 10, 20 @ 1:38 pm:
Bobby Rush has been in poor health for the past few years. It has limited his ability to engage in retail politics and made him a vulnerable incumbent.
- Precinct Captain - Monday, Feb 10, 20 @ 2:08 pm:
==- Practical Politics - Monday, Feb 10, 20 @ 1:38 pm:==
He massacred Ald. Brookins in 2016
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Monday, Feb 10, 20 @ 2:38 pm:
It’s not really in Madigan’s interests to be associated with Lipinski, given Lipinski’s anti-choice views.
- Natty_B - Monday, Feb 10, 20 @ 3:05 pm:
“Don’t forget that Stefanie Smith is running against Londrigan for the IL-13 Democratic primary.”
I just looked at the website for Smith. I think it’s fair to assume Londrigan isn’t too worried.
- Bruce - Monday, Feb 10, 20 @ 3:51 pm:
I agree with low level. I’m in 3 and have seen the Lipinski signs next to Trump 2020 signs. Therefore, Mayor’s endorsement might endorsement might energize forces unintended.