Dan Lipinski literally inherited his Illinois seat from his father, and has held it since 2004, despite voting against a $15 minimum wage and against a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion.
Lipinski is using a $1.2 million war-chest to fight off a primary challenge from Marie Newman, a progressive Democrat who is pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-$15 minimum wage, and is endorsed by NARAL, EMILY’s List and Planned Parenthood.
Lipinkski’s campaign riches come largely from industry, especially railroad company PACs, who contributed nearly a sixth of his warchest. They owe Lipinski, who lead the effort to delay the imposition of a key safety measure called Positive Train Control, saving railroad companies millions and putting America lives at risk.
You can donate to Marie Newman’s campaign here.
The Intercept reviewed FEC records and found that the major rail industry PACs have lavished Lipinski with donations throughout his career. Over the last decade, the companies and their trade associations have provided $232,100 in donations, which Lipinski has been able to largely preserve, since he has generally not faced a competitive general or primary election since 2008.
Dan Lipinski Raked in Rail Industry Campaign Dollars While Delaying Safety Standards [Lee Fang/The Intercept]