Rodriguez challenges LaHood to follow
Lincoln’s lead and debate
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[September 17, 2016]
In my professional life as an educator
and a historian I have had the opportunity to specialize in
difficult and often painful aspects of our nation’s past—in
particular, the legacy of slavery, of abolition, and of
emancipation. Through the combination of my teaching, writing of
several books, and development of a television documentary on these
topics, I have come to have a special admiration for Abraham Lincoln
and the means by which he deftly honed his political skills by
having the courage to tackle the most pressing concerns of his era.
In this regard, Lincoln did not falter, and his actions remain
instructive today for those who would seek political office in a
time of uncertainty.
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As many of you may know, the territory that today
encompasses the IL-18th congressional district overlaps with the
region that Abraham Lincoln once represented (then the IL-7th
district) during his single term in the U.S. House of
Representatives (1847-1849). The story of Lincoln certainly looms
large throughout this district: in Peoria he delivered the famous
“Peoria Speech” that marked his first public criticism of the
institution of slavery; at the Old State Capitol in Springfield he
delivered his famous “House Divided” speech, and in Quincy he
debated U.S. Senator Stephen Douglas on matters of national urgency
dealing with the potential expansion of slavery into the western
territories. This political ground was touched and shaped by the
Lincoln legacy, so the willingness to speak, affirm, and debate
one’s political views, however unpopular they might be to some, has
always been the standard by which we must measure our character.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Sep/15/images/ads/current/LPL_small%201.gif) Today I stand upon Lincoln’s principles—here in this place and
across this district—to challenge sitting U.S. Congressman Darin
LaHood to have the political courage to participate in a series of
four debates across the IL-18th district and address the issues of
the day publicly in these venues. Free and open discussion of ideas
has always been one of the hallmarks of our democracy, and the
residents of this district deserve nothing less than the opportunity
to hear their candidates for U.S. Congress argue and defend their
views in a public forum. This is what the citizens are demanding,
and anyone seeking office in Lincoln’s old district would be
derelict in his duties should he fail to heed this call. [to
top of second column] |
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Sep/15/images/ads/current/graue_preowned_091216.png) As the Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in the
IL-18th district, I know that there have been ongoing efforts over
several months by groups to arrange opportunities for debates or
public forums where both candidates stand side-by-side and respond
to questions. In all cases in which I have been invited to
participate in such an event, I have responded quickly and favorably
and expressed my willingness to be a part of such a program. To
date, Congressman LaHood has not demonstrated such an eagerness to
participate in these proposed events. We now have less than two
months separating us from the General Election—I would advise
Congressman LaHood to agree to debate and to announce his decision
within the next forty-eight hours.
There is a natural give-and-take that occurs in political life; it
is part of the landscape with which all who enter the political fray
should be familiar. Voters have a right to demand of those who
aspire to be their representative that they can argue effectively,
passionately, and accurately on key matters of national importance.
We send a representative to Washington, D.C. to be a part of the
U.S. Congress, the world’s greatest deliberative body—why would we
not expect that those who seek that role should gladly rise to the
occasion and make their case to the voters who hold such political
aspirations in the balance? Today I challenge Congressman LaHood to
rise to the occasion and show himself to be a true statesman and not
just another petty politician. Take your cue from Abraham Lincoln
and defend your ground. [Rodriguez
for Congress] |