Newman Leads Lipinski By Five Points In Democratic Primary: Poll

LA GRANGE, IL -- An internal poll has placed LaGrange non-profit founder and anti-bullying advocate Marie Newman ahead of longtime incumbent Dan Lipinski in the upcoming democratic primary for Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District. The poll claims that after likely primary voters were informed of Lipinski’s socially conservative voting record and his staunch anti-abortion views, support for the congressman plummeted, putting Newman five points ahead. CNN, Politico, The Hill, Huffington Post are touting the race as one of the most pivotal democratic primaries to watch in 2018.

Lipinski is leader of the Blue Dog Coalition, a congressional caucus of fiscally conservative democrats and says he is a proponent of revitalizing American manufacturing and reubuilding the nation’s infrastructure. Lipinski has held the 3rd District seat in the house for seven terms, since his father announced his retirement after winning the 2004 primary, and then convinced the state’s Democratic Party to put his son’s name on the ballot the following November.

The Washington, DC-based firm Normington Petts was hired by Newman’s campaign last October to conduct a phone survey among 400 likely Democratic primary voters in Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District, which includes sections of Chicago’s Southwest Side, and the south and western suburbs up to the Cook-DuPage border and a small part of Will County.

According to the poll’s findings, most voters were unaware of Lipinski’s conservative voting record. After a series of simple negative statements against Lipinski detailing his record on choice, LGBT issues, and immigration and voting against Obamacare,” Newman leads 39-percent to 34 percent.” The memo further states that only 38 percent of those polled said they wanted to see Lipinski re-elected.

Without the messaging, and by virtue of Lipinski’s name recognition in the district, he easily leads Newman 49 percent to 14 percent. The memo concluded that with simple messaging about Lipinski’s negatives, Newman stands a fighting change of beating him in the March 20 primary. All she needs is messaging, which she appears to be accomplishing with savvy Facebook ads -- and money.

Newman has also received a groundswell of support and endorsements from national progressive groups, including NARAL Pro-Choice America, MoveOn.org, Democracy for America, Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Human Rights Campaign for LGBTQ equality. Progressives see this as their first real chance to unseat the entrenched congressman. Newman says Lipinski is “running scared.”

“There is inertia in the 3rd District. The Lipinski dynasty has been around almost 40 years,” Newman said. “People assumed he was unbeatable because they never had an alternative. When people see that I am dedicated to working families and expanding Medicare for all, they get excited. His views are dangerous.”

Lipinski would not comment on the poll, except to say that, “I take every opponent seriously. I’ll continue to work hard, listen, and represent my constituents well."

This story has been updated with new information.

Photo: Challenger Marie Newman and U.S. Dan Lipinski | Used with permission