Newman receives endorsement of Ocasio-Cortez
Update: Newman’s announcement of an endorsement sparked criticism from Congressman Dan Lipinski. His comments are posted at the end of this story
Marie Newman, Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’ Third Congressional District, announced Tuesday, Sept 17, that she will be receiving the endorsement of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
“I am thrilled to receive the endorsement of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Her unwavering dedication to fighting for social, climate and economic justice is a true inspiration. I look forward to working with Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and other Progressive Caucus members in Congress to fight for policies that make life safer and more affordable for people in my District.”
“Marie Newman is a textbook example of one of the ways that we could be better as a party — to come from a deep blue seat and to be championing all the issues we need to be championing,” said Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. “Marie Newman has never backed down from a challenge, and has consistently led the way towards change. We need Marie Newman in Congress — as an ally, and as a leader.”
Newman came within 2,200 votes of unseating incumbent Congressman Daniel Lipinski in the March 2018 Democratic primary which drew more than 92,000 total votes. She is hoping to overcome that small voter gap in the March 17, 2020 Democratic Primary, although two other Democrats are in the race and are expected to drain some anti-Lipinski votes, Rush Darwish and Abraham Matthew.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often referred to by her initials, AOC, was elected Congresswoman representing New York’s 14th congressional district in 2018. The district includes the eastern part of the Bronx and portions of north-central Queens in New York City. Ocasio-Cortez has been a leading voice for progressive change and policies and a strident voice criticizing the polices of President Donald Trump.
AOC’s endorsement is considered significant although the 3rd Congressional District has traditionally been both conservative and Democratic for many decades.
Matthew issued a press release in response to the endorsement:
“American democracy remains a beautiful institution because it empowers citizens to exercise their right to free speech and political association,” Matthew said. “Our campaign is committed to reaching every person in our district, listening to them tell us how their lives could be better, and then going to Washington D.C. to advocate for policies that will ease the burdens of struggling families in the district.”
Congressman Dan Lipinski responded critically to the Ocasio-Cortez endorsement releasing the following statement at 2:30 PM:
Lipinski responds to AOC Endorsement of Marie Newman
“Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement of Marie Newman makes crystal clear that Ms. Newman is an extreme candidate who is completely out of step with the voters of Illinois’ Third District who do not want to be represented by a fifth member of the “Squad.” The Democratic Party – and our country – cannot afford an obstructionist “Tea Party of the Left” when we need to focus on wining this next election and passing policies that will truly help working families and all who are struggling in America today.
“Ms. Newman’s support of the so-called “Medicare for All” plan – which has no resemblance to Medicare – would hurt Third District residents by taking away private health insurance from 170 million Americans and eliminating Medicare for seniors. At the same time it would double federal income taxes for the average family in the Third District! Not to be outdone, AOC’s Green New Deal, which Newman endorses, would have a price tag of $50 to $93 trillion. This would more than double the taxes for the average family and would cost the average worker $2,000 in higher consumer costs and lost pay every year. In addition, 1.4 million jobs would be lost through this unrealistic policy that has been attacked vociferously by the labor unions Ms. Newman claims to support.
“I have been a leader in Congress in working to lower sky-rocketing health care prices, especially for prescription drugs, and in fighting to make the ACA truly affordable to those without insurance. I have also been a leader in fighting climate change since I was first elected to Congress, having authored two laws to cut greenhouse gas emissions and having helped introduce the first bipartisan carbon fee bill in Congress more than a decade ago.
“Third District residents want commonsense leadership and someone who fights for workable policies that help create jobs, improve access to affordable healthcare, address climate change, keep communities safe, and improve infrastructure and education. I have a long record of standing with working families on these issues and look forward to continuing to serve as their representative in the years to come.”
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.
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