6th CD a CLEAR IDEOLOGICAL CHOICE between Duckworth & Roskam

[wndycty]

I cross posted this with GD: Politics as it is very important to all DUers but has significant impact to our state.

There has been a lot of talk, some of it sour grapes, some of misinformation, about Tammy Duckworth and how she is no different than her Republican opponent. In reading the article below you will see there is a huge difference. I understand it was an emotional primary and I understand that Cegelis has her passionate supporters who need time to deal with her loss, but that is no excuse for spreading lies about Duckworth and where she stands. She might not be as "progressive" Cegelis supporters want her to be, but as you can see on many key issues she will uphold Democratic values.

Also many of the DUers who feel that Duckworth is not progressive enough come from places like Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts and Texas, not Illinois or more specifically the 6th CD of the state. This is in important issue to point out because I would dare say many of them do not know or appreciate the political demographics of the district. All politics are local and while I might be to the left of Duckworth I believe she is more in tune with the majority of voters in the 6th CD than either Cegelis or Roskam. Cegelis has significant support in Democrat circles in the district, but I question whether or not she can convince the undecideds and moderate Republicans to vote for her. The district is becoming more and more progressive but its doubtful that it would go from Henry Hyde to Christine Cegelis overnight.

This is an important race that has and will continue to attract national attention, I encourage all DUers to consider helping turning Henry Hyde's seat blue. It was a hard fought primary, let the healing begin and the truth about Duckworth's positions float to the top. Like it or not she is Democrat running against a Republican in November.

Duckworth versus Roskam a clear-cut clash

BY MARNI PYKE
Daily Herald Staff Writer
Updated 12:50 p.m.

Posted Wednesday, March 22, 2006

The November election to succeed retiring Republican Congressman Henry Hyde will feature a clear ideological choice for voters choosing between Democrat Tammy Duckworth and Republican Peter Roskam.

The two candidates disagree on all of the top issues in what’s widely expected to be one of the most closely-watched and expensive con-gressional races nationally this fall.
-snip-

On a trio of hot-button social issues, there’s also no agree-ment. Roskam opposes abortion rights, gun control and civil unions for gays and lesbian couples. Duckworth supports all three.

With talk of jobs and the economy destined to dominate, Roskam argues Bush’s tax cuts “absolutely” all need to be made perma-nent.

Duckworth said funding health care and education is more important than giving “$100,000 back to people making over $1 million a year.”
-snip-

http://www.dailyherald.com/special/election/ele_story.asp?id=169469#

[DanCa]

1. I believe that Duckworth was caught up in something beyond her control

I truly believe that in her heart she's a progressive and a good person and if I lived in the district I would have no problem in voting for her. Did I send money to Cegelis yes - okay it was only five bucks- I wanted Cegelis to win. However I have no problem with Tammy Duckworth getting into office. Just think of the big picture it's a chance for the district to go blue.

And on a personal note Roskam opposes stem cell research. I need that research as a potential cure for Parkinson's disease. I would consider it a great and personal favor if everyone considered that before they voted. Thanks all and good luck.

Here's to keeping Il blue in November.

:toast:

[dogman]

2. Something to remember.

Part of what I posted on your GD thread.
A sobering reminder for all. Keep in mind the facts. The GOP candidate received around 48,000 votes while the three Dems combined were at about 32,000. That gives the Dems about 40% of the vote in a hotly contested Dem Primary. While Cegelis received around 44% against Hyde, she had Kerry's coat tails. He received around 47%. Cheney was here raising funds for Roskam even though he had no Primary opponent. This will likely be one of the top ten battles as covered by the media.