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* Mary Ann Ahern reported at 5 o’clock today that US Rep. Bobby Rush is retiring. Stay tuned.
…Adding… Lynn Sweet at the Sun-Times…
Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., the former Black Panther, ex-Chicago alderman, member of Congress and a minister, told the Chicago Sun-Times on Monday that he will not seek another term.
Rush, first elected to Congress in 1992, said in an interview he intends to stay active in his ministry and find ways to use his remarkable life story — a trajectory from a 1960s radical to House member — to inspire younger generations. […]
Rush told me he finalized his decision not to seek another term in the last several weeks and it came after a conversation with a grandson, Jonathan, 19, who said he wanted to hear more about his grandfather.
“I don’t want my grandchildren . . . to know me from a television news clip or something they read in a newspaper,” Rush said.
…Adding… Also, as I told subscribers this morning, be wary of stories like this one which float endless names of people who may or may not actually be interested. It’s not news. It’s pure speculation, particularly about those who would have to give up their gigs to run in a potentially crowded primary.
*** UPDATE *** Congressman Rush will be sending out this video about his legacy later today…
…Adding… Press release…
Illinois State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), who shares his district with U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Chicago), released the following statement in response to Congressman Rush’s announcement today that he will not seek re-election:
“As a kid on Chicago’s South Side, I had the privilege of growing up with Bobby Rush as an example of a fearless and righteous leader who helped make our city and our country a better place for everyone.
“Congressman Rush – and his impact on advancing racial justice – will endure far beyond his nearly 40 years in public office. He helped found the movement that’s made a half century of progress toward civil rights possible – a movement that has grown across communities, at all levels of government, and continues today.
“With this news, we can all benefit from starting the new year by taking a step back to reflect on – and find inspiration from – Congressman Rush’s lifetime of work toward fairness, and equity. We know the work isn’t done, but Bobby Rush has shown us there’s nothing that we collectively cannot do.”
…Adding… DPI…
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Rep. Robin Kelly released the following statement regarding the announcement that Rep. Bobby Rush will not run for re-election:
“Bobby Rush has dedicated his entire life to serving his community. An instrumental figure in the civil rights movement, his passion and determination in the fight for justice serves as an inspiration to us all. As a 15-term congressman, Rep. Rush has worked selflessly for the people of the South Side of Chicago and beyond, passing numerous pieces of critical legislation to strengthen public safety and promote equality in American society. On behalf of all Democrats in Illinois, I thank him for his years of service and wish him well as he begins his next chapter later this year.”
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 5:14 pm
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Which of his fail sons will reach for the crown?
Comment by DrurysMissingClock Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 5:32 pm
Hope this is not related to his recent COVID diagnosis.
If not, my first reaction is good for the district getting somebody new. Now can Danny Davis take a hint and do the same?
Comment by hisgirlfriday Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 5:33 pm
@Drurys: It’s Rush who’s retiring, not Lipinski
Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 5:57 pm
Who is thinking of running to replace him?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 6:11 pm
I’m glad to see this. Rush is a good man who has had a phenomenal career, but the past few years have been tough for him and we desperately need to bring down the median age in Congress.
Not sure who the favorite is out of the gate. This could easily end up a 10-way primary, will be very interesting to see who’s willing to give up their current spot to take a shot. 30 years in the same seat creates a long queue.
Comment by vern Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 6:21 pm
As a resident of his district I say THANK GOODNESS and good riddance. I don’t think he ever stepped foot in my end of the district.
Comment by Because I said so.... Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 6:21 pm
I was just with some friends when the news came through, and our reaction was “let the games begin!”
Comment by JoanP Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 6:46 pm
Maybe Newman runs in Rush’s district?
Comment by Mischievous Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 7:01 pm
Co-founder & Defense Minister of the Black Panther Party
Regular Democrat, deputy chair of the state party
Continually undercut independent bids for mayor
Comment by ChicagoExpat Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 8:48 pm
30 years! I vividly recall the Bill Clinton radio ads and the “I’m sticking with Bobby” WVON jingles the week before the 2000 primary election when then state Senator Obama (and then state Senator Trotter) ran for the seat. The man had remarkable sticking power.
Comment by Dan Johnson Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 5:25 am
Rush had a real Karen moment two weeks ago when he called the cops on someone just because.
Comment by Jose Abreu's Next Homer Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 5:40 am
In a 200-way primary, 5% ought to be enough. :>)
Comment by Northsider Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 9:15 am
Perhaps Barack Obama makes another run for the seat he always wanted?
Comment by Just a thought Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 3:33 pm