Illinois

Lipinski needs to go. He only got elected because his Daddy had the seat and withdrew too late for anyone else to get on the ballot. I chose to write in a candidate that first year. He did not even live in the district and had to leave from his teaching post in Kentucky(?) to serve I think.

I wrote to Lipinski when he was my rep and he pretty much said he was a Pro-life Christian First above all else and did not care what his constituents wanted. I ran into Dan once while on a family trip to D.C. and he acted like a socially challenged weasel. He never deserved nor really campaigned for his job as representative. Around campaign season he could be found sheepishly shakin hands at the commuter train lines, but that is about it. He currently is fighting for his life with lots of ad $$. Marie Newman has an active campaign, a lot of support, and she has actually made Dan "debate" issues he is obviously uncomfortable about. This is a good thing.

The active Democrats is his district are mostly pro choice while many old timers think they are still voting for his Dad. The Republicans do not run anyone against Dan (currently a real life Nazi-type is running in the Rep primary with no financial backing of any R candidate) and love Dan. In Dan's defense, aside from horrible right-wing stances on social issues, he has been decent in bringing $$$ back for district projects. For this reason, he has gotten many tepid endorsements.

So Yes, Dan should be primaried. I hope Marie wins, but even if Dan pulls it out, he knows he has awakened his district and will be held accountable.