The daylight that exists between D.C. and Illinois Democrats follows the scathing criticism that the DSCC received for endorsing Duckworth.
FLASHBACK:
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"In a statement, Zopp said she was ‘saddened and shocked that the DSCC would issue an endorsement without even interviewing me’ and accused the group of displaying ‘total insensitivity to Chicago, African-American women and the democratic process.’" (Chicago Tribune, 7/9/15)
- "Rev. Jesse Jackson slams Senate Dems for backing Duckworth over Zopp" (Chicago Sun-Times, 7/15/15)
Check out the devastating coverage on Duckworth’s failure to secure the Cook County Democratic Party’s endorsement below …
WTTW: Cook County Democratic Party Recommendation a Blow to Duckworth
Chicago Sun-Times: Cook County Dems stay neutral in U.S. Senate race
The Cook County Democratic Party pulled a bit of a surprise Wednesday by voting to remain neutral in the March 15 primary for U.S. senator…The decision to make no endorsement in the Senate contest was viewed as a boost to the campaign of Andrea Zopp, who until now has watched as party leaders led by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin tried to steer the nomination to U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth.
NBC Chicago: Cook County Democratic Party Passes on Duckworth Endorsement
Senate candidate Andrea Zopp gained a victory Wednesday when the Cook County Democratic Party announced it was not endorsing Rep. Tammy Duckworth and instead leaving the primary open between the two candidates.
"When I announced my intention to run for U.S. Senate in May, many underestimated my ability to garner support," Zopp said in a statement. "Now, just 60 days later, my campaign had its first major victory."
Capitol Fax: Cook Dems refuse to slate US Senate candidate
…that’s not great news for Duckworth. At all.
The Hill: Cook County Dems stay neutral in Illinois Senate primary
Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) failed to win the endorsement Wednesday of Cook County Democratics for the Senate race against Republican incumbent Sen. Mark Kirk, despite having the backing of the national Democratic establishement…Zopp praised the decision in an emailed statement to her supporters, calling the decision “big news” and “our first major victory.” Her campaign has criticized the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for backing Duckworth, accusing the group of not taking into account the African-American community.
Chicago Tribune: Duckworth, Zopp fail to score Cook County backing for U.S. Senate
The two highest-profile Democratic U.S. Senate candidates failed Wednesday to persuade a majority of Cook County party leaders to endorse them…As a result, Democratic committeemen from the city and suburbs voted in favor of an "open primary" in the March 2016 contest being eyed by U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, former Chicago Urban League CEO Andrea Zopp and at least three other potential candidates.
WBEZ: Cook County Democrats choose not to endorse in two big races
In the Senate race, five candidates were vying for the party’s endorsement. U.S. Representative Tammy Duckworth tried to convince members that she was their best hope…But in the end, the party decided not to endorse anyone in the Senate race.
WTTW: US Senate Candidates Fail to Get Endorsement of Cook County Democrats
…U.S. Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth is going up against former Chicago Urban League CEO and CPS board member Andrea Zopp. The party failed to endorse either of them, leaving an open primary. Zopp saw the action as a victory: “This milestone is a clear sign that the Cook County Democratic Party wants to leave this decision to the voters and I look forward to continuing to take my message to the people of Illinois,” her campaign said.
The Daily Herald: Cook County Democrats won’t endorse Duckworth or Zopp in U.S. Senate race
The county Democratic organization will not endorse a candidate in the U.S. Senate primary race between U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates and Chicago Urban League President and CEO Andrea Zopp.