The Chicago Tribune reported today that Miguel Diaz has resigned as the United States' ambassador to the Vatican. One of the names being floated as his replacement is Congressman Dan Lipinski of Illinois. As a progressive committed to electing new and better Democrats, I think this would be an excellent appointment for President Obama to make. We would get rid of one of Congress' worst remaining Blue Dogs and have a chance to elect a much more progressive Democrat to take his place.
Dan Lipinski has been a constant disappointment right from the start. You might remember the way he got his seat in the first place. During the 2004 election cycle, his father, William Lipinski, initially placed his name on the ballot and won the primary election, which was tantamount to victory in November. However, a few months later, Bill withdrew his name from the November general election ballot, announcing that he would retire at the end of his current term. At Bill's urging, state Democratic party leaders named his son, Dan Lipinski, to replace him on the ballot and he has been in Congress ever since. He is a right-to-lifer, anti-gay, fiscally conservative. In sum, a real Blue Dog in a state that really does not need to have any. His district could easily elect a much more progressive Democrat if Dan is not on the ballot. Join me in urging President Obama to appoint Dan Lipinski our ambassador to the Vatican. Help give Illinois a chance to elect a new and better Democrat!!