Letters to the Editor

Nepotistic succession in the political class A large, and rapidly growing, percentage of high elected officials are part of politically powerful families. What accounts for this anti-democratic dynamic? Glenn Greenwald [2008-12-03]

• Lipininski in Illinois 3rd

  Dear Glenn,

  To my emphatic agreement, let me simply add that Dan Lipinski in the Illinois 3rd House District has to be the worst example of what you describe. His father, Bill, the long-time incumbent ran for the Democratic nomination in 2004 and won easily. A few weeks before the general election he withdrew and the Illinois Democratic Committee met with him for 15 minutes, late at night, behind closed doors before emerging with their new nominee, his son, then residing in central Tennessee where he was an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee.

  In this heavily Democratic district that includes part of southwest Chicago and adjacent suburbs, Dan was the winner. Still worse, a family friend with no funding ran as the Republican in 2004 to help insure that Dan faced no more than token resistance. He holds the seat by twice winning close-fought primary battles against divided, woefully underfunded opposition and landslide general election victories.

  Democracy for America has tried to challenge Lipinski, but against Lipinski's endorsement by Barack Obama and the financial backing of the Rahm Emanuel machine we've raised a pittance. Beyond the undemocratic arrogance of Lipinski's appointment, the bad policy results are clear. Lipinski is one of the bluest of the blue dogs. He has a very low rating from Planned Parenthood (he's as anti-choice as Henry Hyde) and the ACLU and every other progressive group. From his perch on Transportation, he advocates more highway construction and doesn't bother to say anything about Chicago's public transit crisis.

  Thanks for the good work you continue to do. I look forward to your ideas for how we can break up this dangerous bloc of scions.

  Sincerely,

  Benton Williams

  Assistant Professor of American Constitutional & Legal History

  History Department

  DePaul University

  -- Tyrannity Watcher
  [Read Tyrannity Watcher's other letters]
  Permalink Flag Wednesday, December 3, 2008 08:18 AM
  Click "Submit Flag" if you feel this post is inappropriate. Explain why below if you wish.

  Cancel