Londrigan, Davis Differ On Views Of PAC Money
Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londrigan and U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis at a WGLT debate on Oct. 29, 2018, at the Normal Theater. Cindy Le/WGLT
Betsy Dirksen Londrigan pledged to not take any money from corporate political action committees, or PACs, in her second run for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District.
In an email Wednesday, incumbent Rep. Rodney Davis’ campaign said that’s not true, since Londrigan accepts money from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which does take money from PACs.
On a press call Wednesday, Londrigan said that’s out of her control.
“The part that I’m responsible for is what I’m going to do, and I’m not accepting a dime of corporate PAC money,” she said. “Because I refuse to be beholden to these corporations and special interests.”
End Citizens United is endorsing Londrigan, citing her anti-PAC promise. The organization’s president, Tiffany Muller, said special interests have kept Davis in office.
“Just two months ago, he voted against HR 987, the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act, and in this quarter you see those same pharmaceutical companies rewarding him with big contributions,” she said.
Muller said Davis has accepted over $2.4 million on corporate PAC dollars since the start of his political career.
“Davis is honest with voters about his support from job creators. Corporations cannot directly donate to congressional candidates. Their PACs are made up of donations from hardworking employees,” the Davis campaign email stated. “He’s proud to be supported by companies like ADM, State Farm, and many others who have deep ties to our communities and create jobs.”
Londrigan said 80% of her contributions in the first quarter of her congressional campaign came from individuals and grassroots donors.
Londrigan lost her race for the 13th district to Davis last November by about 2,000 votes.