In the 3rd Congressional District of Illinois (which includes Berwyn, Oak Lawn, and Palos Hills), the result may not be a foregone conclusion. Democratic Rep. Bill Lipinski announced his retirement in August. In a 15-minute meeting a ward/township committee picked Lipinski's son, Daniel, as Bill's successor. (Bill Lipinski controlled about 11 percent of the committee's vote.) In several circles, including the GLBT community, this move was not seen as a good one; Bill Lipinski has not been the most ardent supporter of GLBT rights—and Daniel is even more conservative than his father.
However, Krista Grimm is not about to take Daniel's coronation lying down. A graduate of Northwestern University, Grimm has declared herself a write-in candidate for the congressional seat.
WCT: Why are you running?
Grimm: When Bill Lipinski anointed his son as his successor, it rubbed me the wrong way. In September, some friends of mine in LaGrange came up with the idea of running a write-in protest candidate—and asked me to run. I thought ... this was the right thing.
WCT: What do you feel is the most pressing issue in your district?
KG: I think the most pressing issues for our country are the war in Iraq and our role in the world. Both Bush and Kerry are saying that [the situation in] Iraq is winnable; I'm concerned that it's not. After 9/11, there was an outpouring of goodwill from around the world; the way we went about invading Iraq totally turned that around. The most pressing issue involves getting back in good standing with other countries.
WCT: So how do you feel about homeland security?
KG: The color alert system is confusing and no one understands how to react to it; it's pretty worthless. The homeland security department could do so much more. For example, they should pay more attention to all modes of transportation.
WCT: How do you feel your work experience would help you if you were elected?
KG: I worked for 10 years in economic development. I have a good understanding of how businesses go about making investment- and finance-related decisions. Our economy is key.
WCT: What are your positions on abortion and gay rights?
KG: I am pro-choice. As for gay rights, I'm opposed to a constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage. I am for civil liberties for everyone.
WCT: How do you assess your chances?
KG: It's really hard to know. The closer we get to the election, the more desperate I'm getting—because there are still so many people I need to contact. I've gotten so much support from every part of the area, including Dan Lipinski's home area.
WCT: If you're not elected, do you plan on running again?
KG: A I can't really answer that question right now; I'm too focused on Nov. 2.
www.writeinkristagrimm.com