Despite freezing temperatures, a full crowd has turned out tonight at Northminster Church in northwest Evanston to hear Democratic candidates vying for the 9th Congressional seat, which is open for the first time in nearly three decades.
Perceived front runners Daniel Biss and Laura Fine had the frostiest exchange so far with Biss taking shots at money she is receiving from outside the district, and Fine questioning the basis of his claim and pointing to her prolific record, taking on special interests as a state legislator.
Besides Biss and Fine other candidates taking part in the forum are Kat Abugazaleh, Bushra Amiwala, Phillip Andrew and Jeffrey Cohen.
Candidate Phillip Andrew triggered another sharp exchange, noting that Democrats “like to talk a good game about being a big fan and how we’re growing the party, but you can’t grow a party where the same people want to wear all the hats in this race.”
He charged that Biss and fine are running for two offices — running for Congress and running for state party committee, and they’re doing that so they can use those funds insidiously in this race.”
Both Biss and Fine responded strongly. Biss pointed to Jan Schakowsly, the current office holder who has endorsed him, as an “extraordinary leader in Washington and also a political organizer in the district, building power. This is a district of world leaders, of activists and organizers, and we have worked collaboratively to build that power…”
Fine was equally unapologetic.
“I’ve been working on the ground as a volunteer and organizer for the Democratic Party for over 20 years,” she said. “Right now, I’m not happy with the direction that we’re going in so running for a committee person, man or woman, I think is very important for somebody who holds the party very near and dear to the heart, to make sure we encapsulate this and bring the party in the right direction.”
To the Andrew claim that the double role would bring in additional contributions, Fine noted that the committee role is unpaid.
Jeff Smith is serving as the moderator of the event, which was sponsored by the Central Street Neighbors Association.
Tomorrow, Feb. 5, is the start of early voting for the March 17th General Primary.
— Bob Seidenberg
