[Updated with news links after the press release] Earlier today Congressman Danny Davis announced that after months of speculation he was withdrawing from the race for Cook County Board President and would seek re-election to congress instead. In response to this announcement we've released the following statement.
Today's Press Release
Candidate for Illinois’s 7th Congressional District Jim Ascot is staying in the Democratic primary race regardless of today’s announcement that Representative Danny Davis is running for re-election to Congress.
"I announced my candidacy for this position months ago and my growing support is evidence of the urgency of this campaign. I disagree that a congressional seat should be treated as an entitlement, something to fall back on when your other plans don’t work out. Representation is a sacred trust, not a consolation prize. This kind of political game is evidence that my opponent is just another career politician. The people of the 7th District should expect more from their representative.
It’s all about effectiveness. My opponent has been a dedicated public servant but his apprehension over this election demonstrates a precarious lack of conviction. He clearly does not want to go back to Washington and even told the Chicago Defender ‘I have been a congressman since 1997 but I have among the least amount of seniority.’
Americans voted overwhelmingly for change in 2008 but many are frustrated that Congress isn’t acting decisively enough. If we’re not careful, the Democratic majority may be lost. We need public servants who know that they want to be in Washington. That is what distinguishes me from my opponent; I know I want to be there," Mr. Ascot said.
Several news outlets are now reporting on Davis's decision.
NBC
CQ Politics
Roll Call
Its actions like this that put the progressive gains made over the past few elections in jeopardy. Instead of playing the typical political games, our members of Congress must work for the betterment of people, not the betterment of their careers.
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