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Scene of the walled city of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. The oldest Governor’s Mansion under the American flag, La Fortaleza, is top right. / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

ACI Prensa Staff, Jun 2, 2024 / 05:50 am (CNA).

The bishops of Puerto Rico have published a pastoral message ahead of this year’s Nov. 5 elections, in which they call on the citizens of the U.S. territory to “decide correctly” through “discernment, contemplating in depth the reality and the history” of the island.

This year, Puerto Rico’s voters will choose their governor, resident commissioner (sole non-voting member of the U.S. Congress), all members of the Puerto Rico Senate and House of Representatives, as well as all 78 mayors of the island’s municipalities. 

In addition, for the first time, this Nov. 5 Puerto Rico’s voters will cast a symbolic vote for President and Vice President of the United States. Those ballots will not be tabulated in the official U.S. presidential election, however, which is limited to U.S. citizen voters who are residents of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“Knowing how to discern in order to decide well, requires the utmost respect for people. The debate should be about ideas that arise from reality and not about liking a particular person. Prioritizing the essential dignity of each human being will impose on us a sacred respect for others,” the Puerto Rican Bishops’ Conference (CEP) counseled voters, adding that this will elevate the level of dialogue and the debates and foster an atmosphere of respect during the process.

Citing 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “Test everything; hold fast what is good,” the bishops exhorted Puerto Ricans to elect representatives who know how to “become servants of the people” in addressing urgent needs. “We must not lose our sense of urgency towards those who are suffering, and it is a duty to identify those who will work together with each other beyond partisan lines, to find authentic and far-reaching solutions,” the bishops emphasized.

In this regard, the CEP also identified more than a dozen top priorities on which candidates and elected officials should focus to improve the situation on the island. These include the protection of children at every stage of life, including the unborn, the protection of vulnerable adults, the protection of the family, the problem of violence and drugs, poverty and the healthcare system. 

The “demographic situation” in reference to the aging of the population and low birth rate as well as the “definitive solution of the political status of Puerto Rico” rounded out the priorities.

In conclusion, the bishops emphasized “the importance and nobility” of political activity and the political vocation, which is designed to serve everyone equally, with a special predilection for those who are suffering the most.

The “world of politics,” the bishops observed, demands a level of solidarity “where we are all co-responsible for everyone.” 

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

[…]

Chicago, Ill., Mar 21, 2018 / 01:01 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL), one of the few remaining pro-life Democrats, narrowly won the Democratic primary election Tuesday night for Illinois’ 3rd District. Lipinski’s challenger, NARAL-baked Marie Newman, made her opposition to Lipinski’s pro-life views a central part of her campaign.

While media outlets called the race for Lipinski several hours after polls closed March 20, Newman initially refused to concede, even going as far to say that she hoped her opponent had a “very painful evening.” On Wednesday morning, however, Newman posted a message on her Facebook page acknowledging that she had lost the election and that she would continue to press Lipinski further to the left.

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“Since we started our campaign, Dan Lipinski has moved his position on healthcare, a path to citizenship, and the need for a fair minimum wage. We put him on notice that we expect better for all of the people in our district,” said Newman.

“I plan on continuing to hold him accountable so that every person in our district has access, opportunity, and equal rights.”

The race was notable for the amount of outside money spent to primary a sitting member of Congress in an extremely safe Democratic seat. An estimated $2.5 million was spent on various campaign ads and mailings, with about two-thirds of that money supporting Newman’s campaign. Lipinski was hammered in attack ads for his opposition to Obamacare, as well as his support of pro-life legislation and for defunding Planned Parenthood.

Despite Lipinski’s moderate tendencies, Democrats For Life of America Executive Director Kristen Day took issue with the claim that was a “conservative” or a bad Democrat. In a published statement, Day said that Lipinski’s victory was a “win for the Big Tent Democratic Party,” and that the race was an effort to expunge pro-life Democrats from the party.

“His [voting] record says otherwise, with an 88 percent party-loyalty rating and solid lifetime records with labor, education, and environmental groups,” said Day.

“The race was not about Dan’s record on traditional Democratic values. It was, plain and simple, about abortion and an effort to ‘purify’ the Democratic Party of pro-life voices.”

SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said March 21, “We are thrilled with Congressman Lipinski’s victory over Marie Newman and the abortion industry which is increasingly pushing the Democratic Party left on abortion. Dan Lipinski is a pro-life hero of legendary courage and integrity … It was an honor and a privilege for our team to support him and we look forward to continuing to work with him in Congress.”

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee initially declined to endorse Lipinski, but changed their minds about two weeks ago. House Democrats announced Wednesday after the race was called that Lipinski had their full support for the general election.

Lipinski was first elected to Congress in 2004, after his father retired from the seat. This election was his most significant primary challenge.

He is expected to win the general election in November by a wide margin.

[…]

Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz speaks during a Senate Judiciary hearing on Capitol Hill on Sept. 15, 2021, in Washington, D.C. / Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

CNA Staff, Apr 19, 2024 / 18:00 pm (CNA).
The Depart… […]