Union-Backed Democratic Congressman Rejects $15 Minimum Wage

Longtime incumbent Democratic Rep. Dan Lipinski and his primary rival, Marie Newman, revealed gaping ideological differences over key issues during an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board over the weekend.

The gap could prove pivotal in an Illinois district that went for Bernie Sanders in the 2016 presidential primary by 8 points.

In major areas, Lipinski and Newman were far apart. Newman has the backing of both women’s groups and those fighting for LGBT rights, as well as national progressive groups that argue Lipinski is out of step with his district. Lipinski, backed by the state machine, has significant labor backing — which makes his rejection during the interview of one of labor’s key priorities noteworthy. Audio of the exchange was provided to The Intercept by the Newman campaign.

An editorial board member during the interview noted that Lipinski had not endorsed a $15 per hour minimum wage on his questionnaire and asked why. “We definitely have to raise the minimum wage,” Lipinski said. “If you look at the history of the minimum wage, the highest that it was in current dollars was in 1968, which would be the equivalent of about $11.60. I think we should move up to now — probably go to a $12 federal minimum wage and index it for inflation.”

One hundred and sixty-seven House Democrats back the Raise the Wage Act, which would raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour over seven years. Lipinski is not a co-sponsor of the bill, but until this interview has not explained precisely why.

As recently as October 2017, delegates to the AFL-CIO’s annual convention voted for a resolution reaffirming the organization’s support for $15 an hour at both the state and federal level. Lipinski’s support from unions is likely the only thing standing between him and un upset loss in the primary.

A spokesman for the AFL-CIO in Washington referred questions to the local affiliate, which didn’t respond with comment by the time of publication.

Newman, in the editorial board meeting, reaffirmed her support for the higher wage. In a subsequent interview with The Intercept, she said that it would not have the negative impact on the economy Lipinski worried about. “It actually helps the economy,” she said. “When people have disposable income it goes back into the economy. It’s economics 101.”

Lipinski inherited his seat from his father. After the 2004 primary was over, Bill Lipinski stepped aside and allowed his son to take his place on the ballot, assuring his election.

Newman and Lipinski also sparred over his record on the DREAM Act, which he voted against on the House floor but now says he supports.

At a time when the Democratic Party is virtually united behind support for marriage equality, Lipinski did not announce an evolution of his longstanding opposition, but did highlight some of the votes he’d taken on behalf of gay rights. “When it comes to on gay rights, I voted about 10 years ago to add sexual orientation to federal hate crimes legislation. I voted to end ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,'” he said.

Newman pressed him on his support for the First Amendment Defense Act, which would allow people to cite religion in order to discriminate against members of the LGBTQ community. Lipinski explained:

On the question of abortion, Lipinski didn’t waiver from his longstanding opposition. “On abortion, yes, I am pro-life — science shows us that life begins at conception and that is a value that I think, as a Democrat who believes the government has a role in protecting those who are vulnerable, that we should protect,” Lipinski said. The argument that “life begins at conception” is often used to object to certain forms of birth control, as well as abortion.

He is rated 100 percent by the National Right to Life committee.

Lipinski, though, appears to be feeling pressure from Newman, and was a no-show for his speaking slot at the recent March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Despite Lipinski’s opposition to legal abortion, and Newman’s support for it, she has not been endorsed by EMILY’s List, a Washington, D.C.-based group dedicated to electing pro-choice women, nor by Planned Parenthood.

Newman has been endorsed, however, by NARAL and two sitting members of Congress from Illinois.

The primary will take place on March 20.

Top photo: Congressional Steel Caucus member, Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Ill. speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, April 14, 2016, during a hearing on the State of the U.S.