Biss Drops Running Mate Over Israel Policy Differences

EVANSTON, IL — Less than a week after announcing his pick for running mate in the race to become Illinois Governor, Sen. Daniel Biss Wednesday said he has dropped Chicago Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa from his ticket over a difference in their policies regarding Israel.

Last Thursday, Biss publicly unveiled Ramirez-Rosa as his choice for Lieutenant Governor at a rally in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, part of Ramirez-Rosa's 35th Ward. Biss represents the Chicago's North Shore in the state senate's 9th District and has served in the General Assembly since 2011. On Wednesday afternoon, Biss released a statement explaining he "will be moving forward with a new running mate."

Biss's pick of the progressive 26-year-old alderman, who in March became a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, began to create friction almost immediately. By Sunday, 10th District Congressman Brad Schneider had withdrawn his endorsement of Biss' campaign, citing the DSA's endorsement of a policy of boycotting and divesting from Israel (BDS) and companies that do business there.

In a statement, Biss said that during the interview prior to his pick of running mates, Ramirez-Rosa had told him he opposed boycotting Israel. However, Biss said, "after much discussion, it's become clear that Carlos' position has changed. While I respect his right to come to his own conclusions on the issue, it simply wasn't the understanding we shared when I asked him to join the ticket." (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Evanston — or your community. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Read Sen. Daniel Biss's complete statement:

Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and I have reached a difficult decision about our ticket. As of today, I’ll be moving forward with a new running mate.

Growing up with an Israeli mother, grandparents who survived the Holocaust, and great-grandparents who did not survive, issues related to the safety and security of the Jewish people are deeply personal to me.

I strongly support a two-state solution. I support Israel’s right to exist, and I support Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. I also care deeply about justice for Palestinians, and believe that a vision for the Middle East must include political and economic freedom for Palestinians.

That's why I oppose the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, or BDS, as I believe it moves us further away from a peaceful solution.

When I asked him in the interview process prior to his selection, Carlos said he too supported a two-state solution and opposed BDS.

Since we've announced his selection, we have been asked about his position on BDS. After much discussion, it’s become clear that Carlos’ position has changed. While I respect his right to come to his own conclusions on the issue, it simply wasn't the understanding we shared when I asked him to join the ticket.

In light of this, we have agreed that I will be moving forward with a new running mate. It was not an easy decision, but it was the right decision.

The values that I was raised with have fueled and shaped my public service. I’m running for governor to create a more fair and just community. That’s why I’m fighting for health care for all, a tax system that calls on the rich to pay their fair share, and good schools for every child in every neighborhood. Carlos and I agree about these issues and I am glad that he will continue fighting for these progressive causes in his role as alderman.

We'll have news in the coming days about how we move this campaign forward—because we will move forward. The upcoming election is too important, and the future of our state is at stake. Illinois' middle class and working families are hurting, while the rich and well-connected have a monopoly on power. We have the opportunity, this year, to move our state in the right direction and build a progressive future together. And I'll do everything I can to make sure that's exactly what we do.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa issued the following statement about his departure:

While I was honored to be chosen as Senator Daniel Biss’ gubernatorial running mate, it became clear over the past few days that while we share a total commitment to peace, security, and statehood for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and both oppose pursuing BDS at the state level, the difference of opinion we have on the role the BDS movement plays at the federal level would make it impossible to continue moving forward as a ticket.

I was asked to join the ticket to even more strongly advocate for the critical issues facing this state, such as Medicare for all, a $15 living wage today, affordable childcare, and free college tuition. While I am no longer part of the ticket, I have every confidence that Senator Biss and I, in our different roles, will continue to be strong advocates for these progressive issues.
I especially want to thank the members and organizational leaders of Reclaim Chicago, Our Revolution IL, and Democratic Socialists of America, and the thousands of activists who have shown their commitment to addressing these critical concerns for their confidence in me, and their continued work on these progressive issues. There is so much work to be done, and I am proud to stand by your side while we continue to build our progressive movement.

Related:

• Sen. Daniel Biss Enters Race For Governor
• Schneider Endorses Biss For Governor
• Sen. Daniel Biss Names Chicago Alderman As Running Mate
• Citing Israel Stance Of Running Mate, Rep. Brad Schneider Withdraws Endorsement Of Sen. Daniel Biss

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