vox--2020-03-17--What to do if you’re over 70 and running for president in a coronavirus outbreak

What to do if you ’ re over 70 and running for president in a coronavirus outbreak Share All sharing options for : What to do if you ’ re over 70 and running for president in a coronavirus outbreak Due to the coronavirus outbreak , America is now facing a troubling reality : Both the president and his top two rivals for the White House are at a particularly high risk of both contracting the virus and becoming seriously ill from it due to their ages and nonstop contact with the public .
According to the Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ at higher risk of getting very sick ” from Covid-19 , as the disease caused by the novel coronavirus is formally called , than the general population is .
As such , the CDC advises that older people should “ stay at home as much as possible ” to avoid contracting the virus .
President Donald Trump and his Democratic challengers former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders are all over 70 years old .
And as they sweep across the country on the campaign trail , they ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shake hands , take selfies , or even rush the stage to protest while the candidates are speaking — all while working closely with large campaign teams .
All of that combined puts them at a very high risk of contracting the virus compared to the general population .
And while the White House and the Biden and Sanders campaigns are beginning to recognize this reality and adjust the candidates ’ campaign activities to try to minimize the risk , many experts worry they ’ re not taking the threat seriously enough .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the White House says it proved negative .
But he had been spotted shaking hands with supporters at fundraisers in recent days , despite guidance from the CDC advising those who are at high risk to put distance between themselves and other people ( and in general for people to practice social distancing to help slow the spread ) .
Sanders has told reporters he ’ s too busy running for president to worry about the coronavirus , even though he is at even higher risk of complications than the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems .
Sanders and Biden have taken some steps to address the threat of the disease : Both have canceled rallies in order to keep large groups from spreading it .
All three politicians insist they ’ re following the advice from medical experts , like keeping away from sick people , limiting close contact with others , and washing their hands often .
Still , their instinct to act like politicians — greeting people , giving hugs , speaking in close quarters — is anathema to how they should act during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current president and the two people most likely to take his job next are overly exposed .
That ’ s deeply worrisome , given the stakes here .
“ Imagine if a candidate ends up in the hospital and dies , ” said Ashish Jha , director of the Harvard Global Health Institute .
“ The psychological effect on the country [ would ] be massive .
The candidates should be doing the right things for the country.
” How to protect presidential candidates from the coronavirus Jha recommended three major changes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of infection and further spread of coronavirus .
First , candidates need to stop shaking hands and personally greeting potential voters .
Of course , Jha acknowledged , “ that ’ s really hard because that contact is fundamental for interacting with potential voters.
” But he said it ’ s incumbent upon the candidates to explain to voters why they ’ re keeping their distance .
“ Blame the doctor that gives you that advice if you have to , ” he said .
Second , campaigns should closely monitor members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who come into most direct and frequent contact with the politician .
If a staffer shows any symptoms , they should be isolated and tested to see if they have the disease .
If they test positive , they should stay home mainly to recover but also keep those in the team — and especially the candidate — as far away as possible .
But even if they test negative , Jha told me , they should work virtually instead of physically until any main symptoms pass .
Third , candidates should rethink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all campaign gatherings .
Even if those events don ’ t put the men personally at risk and they ’ re able to remain relatively isolated on a stage , for instance , large rallies could still increase the chance the disease will spread among attendees .
“ It would be bad if any three of them got it ” It ’ s hard to get politicians to stop , well , being politicians — shaking hands , kissing babies , all that stuff .
But it seems the White House and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do what they can .
For instance , White House tourists now have to first disclose which countries they ’ ve traveled to within the past month before they ’ re allowed to enter the White House itself ; security staff is likely looking to see if newcomers recently traveled to coronavirus hot spots such as China , Italy , and Iran .
People who pay to attend Trump ’ s fundraisers must now use hand sanitizer before posing for photos with the president , and the campaign canceled a three-day swing through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was supposed to start on Monday , likely in an attempt to curb the spread .
The campaign , though , denies the decision had anything to do with coronavirus .
But it ’ s still not enough .
Former Secret Service agents say that Trump , above all things , should keep away from rope lines full of supporters .
“ It ’ s the ultimate threat , ” an unnamed former agent told the Washington Post on Monday .
What ’ s more , the president should stay about 6 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to engage with him during a campaign event .
“ In any pandemic , the underlying principle is to restrict access , ” Jonathan Wackrow , a former Secret Service agent , told the Post .
Of course , whether Trump wants to do that is entirely his call .
“ If the president feels it ’ s necessary to do it , the president is going to do it .
It ’ s the Service ’ s role at that point to make the environment as safe as possible , ” Wackrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riskier for Sanders and Biden , who are continuing to do the same things Trump does but without Secret Service protection .
It ’ s therefore likely they ’ re not receiving up-to-the-minute advice on whether to wade into a crowd or not .
And , as mentioned above , Sanders is potentially even more at risk than Biden because of his heart attack and subsequent heart procedure last year .
So far , indications are that older people with heart conditions are at a higher risk of complications if they contract the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if any of them got it , ” Harvard ’ s Jha told me , “ But Sanders is perhaps the most high-risk ” of them .
Which means all three campaigns need to think hard about changing their ways going forward .
It may require a restructuring of how to navigate a presidential race , but it ’ s what seems necessary right now — especially because of who these last three men standing are .
“ It is going to take a lot of work to really focus on trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded .

What to do if you’re over 70 and running for president in a coronavirus outbreak
Share All sharing options for: What to do if you’re over 70 and running for president in a coronavirus outbreak
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, America is now facing a troubling reality: Both the president and his top two rivals for the White House are at a particularly high risk of both contracting the virus and becoming seriously ill from it due to their ages and nonstop contact with the public.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are “at higher risk of getting very sick” from Covid-19, as the disease caused by the novel coronavirus is formally called, than the general population is. As such, the CDC advises that older people should “stay at home as much as possible” to avoid contracting the virus.
That’s bad news for the 2020 presidential candidates.
President Donald Trump and his Democratic challengers former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders are all over 70 years old. And as they sweep across the country on the campaign trail, they’ll be met with voters who want to shake hands, take selfies, or even rush the stage to protest while the candidates are speaking — all while working closely with large campaign teams. All of that combined puts them at a very high risk of contracting the virus compared to the general population.
And while the White House and the Biden and Sanders campaigns are beginning to recognize this reality and adjust the candidates’ campaign activities to try to minimize the risk, many experts worry they’re not taking the threat seriously enough.
Trump finally got tested for the coronavirus, and the White House says it proved negative. But he had been spotted shaking hands with supporters at fundraisers in recent days, despite guidance from the CDC advising those who are at high risk to put distance between themselves and other people (and in general for people to practice social distancing to help slow the spread).
Sanders has told reporters he’s too busy running for president to worry about the coronavirus, even though he is at even higher risk of complications than the other two candidates due to his recent heart problems.
Sanders and Biden have taken some steps to address the threat of the disease: Both have canceled rallies in order to keep large groups from spreading it.
All three politicians insist they’re following the advice from medical experts, like keeping away from sick people, limiting close contact with others, and washing their hands often. Still, their instinct to act like politicians — greeting people, giving hugs, speaking in close quarters — is anathema to how they should act during the outbreak.
Put together, both the current president and the two people most likely to take his job next are overly exposed. That’s deeply worrisome, given the stakes here.
“Imagine if a candidate ends up in the hospital and dies,” said Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute. “The psychological effect on the country [would] be massive. The candidates should be doing the right things for the country.”
How to protect presidential candidates from the coronavirus
Jha recommended three major changes the candidates should adopt immediately to minimize their risk of infection and further spread of coronavirus.
First, candidates need to stop shaking hands and personally greeting potential voters. Of course, Jha acknowledged, “that’s really hard because that contact is fundamental for interacting with potential voters.” But he said it’s incumbent upon the candidates to explain to voters why they’re keeping their distance. “Blame the doctor that gives you that advice if you have to,” he said.
Second, campaigns should closely monitor members of the campaign team, especially those who come into most direct and frequent contact with the politician. If a staffer shows any symptoms, they should be isolated and tested to see if they have the disease.
If they test positive, they should stay home mainly to recover but also keep those in the team — and especially the candidate — as far away as possible.
But even if they test negative, Jha told me, they should work virtually instead of physically until any main symptoms pass.
Third, candidates should rethink holding campaign rallies, and probably cancel all campaign gatherings. Even if those events don’t put the men personally at risk and they’re able to remain relatively isolated on a stage, for instance, large rallies could still increase the chance the disease will spread among attendees.
“It would be bad if any three of them got it”
It’s hard to get politicians to stop, well, being politicians — shaking hands, kissing babies, all that stuff.
But it seems the White House and the Biden and Sanders campaigns are trying to do what they can.
For instance, White House tourists now have to first disclose which countries they’ve traveled to within the past month before they’re allowed to enter the White House itself; security staff is likely looking to see if newcomers recently traveled to coronavirus hot spots such as China, Italy, and Iran.
People who pay to attend Trump’s fundraisers must now use hand sanitizer before posing for photos with the president, and the campaign canceled a three-day swing through Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania that was supposed to start on Monday, likely in an attempt to curb the spread. The campaign, though, denies the decision had anything to do with coronavirus.
But it’s still not enough. Former Secret Service agents say that Trump, above all things, should keep away from rope lines full of supporters. “It’s the ultimate threat,” an unnamed former agent told the Washington Post on Monday. What’s more, the president should stay about 6 to 10 feet away from anyone who wants to engage with him during a campaign event.
“In any pandemic, the underlying principle is to restrict access,” Jonathan Wackrow, a former Secret Service agent, told the Post. Of course, whether Trump wants to do that is entirely his call. “If the president feels it’s necessary to do it, the president is going to do it. It’s the Service’s role at that point to make the environment as safe as possible,” Wackrow continued.
The situation is potentially even riskier for Sanders and Biden, who are continuing to do the same things Trump does but without Secret Service protection. It’s therefore likely they’re not receiving up-to-the-minute advice on whether to wade into a crowd or not.
And, as mentioned above, Sanders is potentially even more at risk than Biden because of his heart attack and subsequent heart procedure last year. So far, indications are that older people with heart conditions are at a higher risk of complications if they contract the coronavirus. “It would be bad if any of them got it,” Harvard’s Jha told me, “But Sanders is perhaps the most high-risk” of them.
Which means all three campaigns need to think hard about changing their ways going forward. It may require a restructuring of how to navigate a presidential race, but it’s what seems necessary right now — especially because of who these last three men standing are.
“It is going to take a lot of work to really focus on trying to keep these people safe,” Jha concluded.


vox--2020-03-17--Joe Biden wins the Florida Democratic primary

Former Vice President Joe Biden has won Florida ’ s Democratic primary , in the exact opposite of a political surprise .
Even before Biden jumped out to what appears to be a dominating national polling lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders , the state looked set to be one of the friendliest contests for him .
Florida has a higher-than-average African American population , which has tended to be the death knell for Sanders across both the 2016 and 2020 cycles .
For example , in this year ’ s Mississippi primary , where black voters made up about 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 81 percent of the vote .
And Sanders faced additional demographic challenges in the state : Florida also has a large Cuban American population that is deeply skeptical of Sanders ’ s perceived softness on the Latin American left and a large Jewish population , some of whom may be skeptical of his views on Israel .
Sanders himself is Jewish , but that has brought him essentially no benefit of the doubt from Israel hawks .
The icing on the cake is that Florida has one of the oldest populations of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with older voters — on Super Tuesday , for instance , nearly half of all voters older than 65 voted for Biden ; only 15 percent of those voters went for Sanders .
In short , Florida was a promising state for Biden , and it voted at a time when he ’ s moving up in national polls .
Recent surveys had him up by anywhere from 29 to 44 percentage points depending on which pollster you asked , so the real question has been about exactly how enormous his delegate haul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged delegates make it the fourth-largest prize in the Democratic primary calendar ( New York has a smaller population but more delegates because bluer states get extra weight in the process ) .
A big win here is a huge opportunity for Biden to extend his delegate lead and to try to put Sanders out of contention .

Former Vice President Joe Biden has won Florida’s Democratic primary, in the exact opposite of a political surprise.
Even before Biden jumped out to what appears to be a dominating national polling lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders, the state looked set to be one of the friendliest contests for him.
Florida has a higher-than-average African American population, which has tended to be the death knell for Sanders across both the 2016 and 2020 cycles. For example, in this year’s Mississippi primary, where black voters made up about 70 percent of the electorate, Biden won 81 percent of the vote.
And Sanders faced additional demographic challenges in the state: Florida also has a large Cuban American population that is deeply skeptical of Sanders’s perceived softness on the Latin American left and a large Jewish population, some of whom may be skeptical of his views on Israel. Sanders himself is Jewish, but that has brought him essentially no benefit of the doubt from Israel hawks.
The icing on the cake is that Florida has one of the oldest populations of any state, and Sanders famously does poorly with older voters — on Super Tuesday, for instance, nearly half of all voters older than 65 voted for Biden; only 15 percent of those voters went for Sanders.
In short, Florida was a promising state for Biden, and it voted at a time when he’s moving up in national polls. Recent surveys had him up by anywhere from 29 to 44 percentage points depending on which pollster you asked, so the real question has been about exactly how enormous his delegate haul would be.
Florida’s 219 pledged delegates make it the fourth-largest prize in the Democratic primary calendar (New York has a smaller population but more delegates because bluer states get extra weight in the process). A big win here is a huge opportunity for Biden to extend his delegate lead and to try to put Sanders out of contention.


vox--2020-03-17--Before-and-after aerial photos show how coronavirus is changing life in America

In just a few short weeks , the coronavirus pandemic has completely changed life in America .
Almost no one is visiting the Statue of Liberty .
Ice rinks in New York City are abandoned .
The parking lots of once-bustling New England ski resorts are empty .
Airports are devoid of planes , while rental car parking lots are chock full .
This transformation is eerily evident in satellite images captured by the private space firm Maxar Technologies .
The photos , which Maxar shared with Vox , show five popular locations across the country both before and after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a country grinding to a halt as people stay inside and avoid large crowds to prevent the further spread of Covid-19 .
It ’ s a startling sign of the impact social distancing is having on the United States , both economically and in terms of the normalcy of everyday life .
As fewer people fly , visit cultural sites , and go on vacation , parts of America are , in essence , turning into ghost towns .
And while such measures are necessary to slow the outbreak that is ravaging other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see .
The satellite images showing the dramatic changes taking place throughout the country are below .

In just a few short weeks, the coronavirus pandemic has completely changed life in America.
Almost no one is visiting the Statue of Liberty. Ice rinks in New York City are abandoned. The parking lots of once-bustling New England ski resorts are empty. Airports are devoid of planes, while rental car parking lots are chock full.
This transformation is eerily evident in satellite images captured by the private space firm Maxar Technologies. The photos, which Maxar shared with Vox, show five popular locations across the country both before and after the outbreak. Collectively, they show a country grinding to a halt as people stay inside and avoid large crowds to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
It’s a startling sign of the impact social distancing is having on the United States, both economically and in terms of the normalcy of everyday life. As fewer people fly, visit cultural sites, and go on vacation, parts of America are, in essence, turning into ghost towns. And while such measures are necessary to slow the outbreak that is ravaging other countries, it’s still stunning to see.
The satellite images showing the dramatic changes taking place throughout the country are below.
Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, New York City
Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah
Statue of Liberty, New York City
Rental car facility at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona
Killington Ski Resort, Vermont


vox--2020-03-17--What we know about Congress’s potential $1 trillion coronavirus stimulus package

Before the US Senate has even passed the second coronavirus relief bill , it ’ s already starting work on a massive third stimulus package the Trump administration estimates could cost $ 1 trillion .
It would be a massive injection of cash — surpassing the bank bailout in the midst of the 2008 recession — into an economy that ’ s seen cratering stocks , spikes in unemployment claims , and reduced consumer spending , as the pandemic sweeps across the US .
And , perhaps surprisingly , there ’ s relatively bipartisan support — at least for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet for specific proposals .
Lawmakers are referring to this as “ Phase 3 ” of Congress ’ s coronavirus response .
Phase 1 was an $ 8.3 billion bill spurring coronavirus vaccine research and development , and Phase 2 , once it ’ s passed , will be an approximately $ 104 billion package largely focused on paid sick leave and unemployment benefits for workers and families .
Phase 3 will be many times larger than both of the previous bills combined .
“ We know an additional bill of much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , ” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters Tuesday .
“ If we bend the health care curve , that will determine how long this emergency lasts .
And that has required extraordinary measures that basically have us in the unusual position of the American government in effect shutting down the American economy to meet these health concerns.
” To get the economy going again , Democrats and Republicans agree they need to get money into the hands of American workers as quickly as possible .
This response will likely take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ immediately , ” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced Tuesday .
If this policy takes the approach of unrestricted payments to all Americans , it would be an unprecedented move in modern US history , as Vox ’ s Dylan Matthews explained .
“ We are looking at sending checks to Americans immediately , ” Mnuchin said .
“ Americans need to get cash now and the president wants to get cash now , and I mean now — in the next two weeks.
” But sending checks to workers is just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican-controlled Senate and President Trump ’ s White House are also focused on relief for businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis , including small businesses as well as larger ones like the hard-hit airline industry .
McConnell has tasked his Republican members to start drafting a bill but admits bipartisan compromise with Senate Democrats will have to happen at some point since the bill needs 60 votes to pass .
“ We ’ re going to move here in warp speed for the Senate , which almost never does anything quickly , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on both sides of the aisle is seized with the urgency of moving yet another bill , and we intend to do that.
” There aren ’ t a lot of details on what Senate Republicans ’ “ Phase 3 ” might look like — yet Whereas the second coronavirus response bill was crafted in the House , the third package will originate in the Senate ( the House is currently out on recess ) .
The third coronavirus package is in very initial phases ; McConnell is designating three task forces in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House on their opening bid before they negotiate with Senate Democrats .
We don ’ t yet know when a finalized draft will be released .
In addition to getting money into the hands of individual American workers , Republicans are also looking for other ways to stimulate the economy .
The White House wants $ 50 billion for the airline industry ; the travel , cruise , and casino industries are also eager for federal money , the Washington Post reported .
Some Senate Republicans are concerned about the impacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses , including bars and restaurants that are now shuttered after orders from state and local governments .
“ The area I ’ ve been focused on is on the small business component , ” Sen. Marco Rubio ( R-FL ) told reporters Tuesday afternoon .
“ There ’ s a strong conviction and belief we ’ re going to have to step up using the local banks ... to provide immediate cash availability to businesses in order to be able to maintain workers on payroll .
So now it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a way that can pass and will work.
” While McConnell was hesitant to set a number , a senior Senate Republican said Congress may well be staring down a hefty price tag to keep workers employed and businesses afloat .
“ It could be a fairly substantial number , ” Sen. John Thune ( R-SD ) said .
“ But I think a lot of our members believe we need to be bold and big , and make sure we ’ re making a clear statement about the importance of making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on its feet.
” While the House is on recess , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is also being kept apprised of the White House ’ s plans .
She spoke to Mnuchin over the phone Tuesday morning about America ’ s aviation and transportation sectors , and spoke to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in a separate call Tuesday afternoon .
“ The speaker was encouraged by the chairman ’ s perspective that with interest rates at nearly zero , Congress is enabled to fiscally think big as we craft a robust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
First things first : The Senate needs to approve the House bill McConnell committed to a vote on the House legislation as soon as the upper chamber is able to this week , an update that had previously been uncertain given Republican pushback on the bill .
Specifically , Republican senators were concerned that the paid sick leave requirements in the legislation would put an excessive financial burden on small businesses .
McConnell , however , urged his conference to consider the bill regardless of their objections .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as the Senate can get permission to vote on the bill that came over from the House and send it to the president for signature , ” McConnell told reporters during a briefing on Tuesday .
“ Some of my members have considerable problem with the House bill ; my counsel is to gag and vote for it anyway.
” Already , the House bill has been stripped significantly as part of compromises that lawmakers have made with Republicans .
As Vox ’ s Anna North reports , the latest version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will consider , excludes millions of workers from paid sick days and paid leave provisions .
In the most updated take on the bill , companies with 500 employees or more and companies with 50 employees or fewer can be exempted from requirements to offer workers paid sick days .
Hospitals and nursing homes can also be exempted under the bill .
As a result , as many as 19 million workers could be left out of paid sick leave protections , according to the Washington Post .
Despite its shortcomings , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a couple of fronts .
It will boost funding to states , so they can expand their unemployment insurance benefits , and it guarantees free coronavirus testing for all Americans .
The idea of universal basic income is picking up momentum Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang ’ s push for a universal basic income seems to be gaining steam in Congress — and it could well influence a major component of the stimulus lawmakers are envisioning .
Across both parties , a growing list of lawmakers have supported sending out financial support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Dylan Matthews has reported , Sens .
Mitt Romney and Tom Cotton are among the Republican lawmakers who ’ ve signaled support for this idea .
Romney on Monday called for every American to get a $ 1,000 check as part of relief efforts .
“ While expansions of paid leave , unemployment insurance , and SNAP benefits are crucial , the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options , ” Romney said in a statement .
And on Tuesday , a trio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more expansive proposal that would include $ 2,000 payments for every adult and child under a particular income threshold .
The plan , which was put forth by Sens .
Michael Bennet , Cory Booker , and Sherrod Brown and first reported by the New York Times ’ s Jim Tankersley , would include that first payment that ’ s sent out between March and June , and potentially a second payment sent out later in the year , depending on how long the coronavirus response takes .
Sen. Thune , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more support in his conference for directly providing funds to people than for implementing a payroll tax cut ( which President Trump has pushed for ) .
“ We have a high level of interest in that idea , ” he told reporters Tuesday .
“ That idea has a lot more resonance among our members than , say , a payroll tax cut.
” If one of these ideas does make it into the final Phase 3 legislation , and if the cash payments are truly unrestricted , “ it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out : Senate Democrats have their own ideas Sooner or later , McConnell will need to negotiate with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , as the Senate needs 60 votes to pass a stimulus bill .
And Schumer has already laid out much of what he wants to see a bill contain .
The big picture on Schumer ’ s demands is a stimulus package that invests massively in health preparedness , as well as one that protects workers over businesses .
He is asking for bailed-out businesses to provide mandatory paid sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their direct employees , and for businesses to comply with new requirements on whatever federal aid they receive , including prioritizing keeping workers in their jobs — rather than money going to CEOs .
“ We are looking first at the medical needs , ” Schumer said .
“ You can put all the money you want out into the economy ; unless you actually solve the problem and reduce the number of cases , the number of deaths , none of that will matter .
So first and foremost , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side.
” Here ’ s a list of Schumer ’ s priorities , reviewed by Senate Democrats during a conference call Tuesday and obtained by Vox .
• $ 400 billion for emergency appropriations including a surge in hospital beds , ventilators , masks , and other equipment ; increased money for senior citizens ; public housing for those struggling to pay rent ; protections for students impacted by school closures ; public transportation relief ; and investments in broadband internet • $ 350 billion to increase the social safety net , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; automatic extensions to Medicaid if America falls into a recession ; a 15 percent benefit increase to SNAP ; and pausing monthly student debt payments Schumer is also proposing a number of other reforms , including : • 6 months of forbearance on all federally back mortgages , and a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures • Expanding unemployment insurance to cover the gap on paid sick days • Protecting prisons from the spread of Covid-19 “ If you ’ re a worker and you lose your job or can ’ t work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 over six months in unemployment benefits , ” Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday .
“ If you can ’ t work because you get sick and your employer doesn ’ t provide paid sick leave , we would allow you apply for unemployment insurance and get reimbursed.
” There ’ s some agreement between both parties about the need for a major economic stimulus during this unprecedented public health crisis .
What the specifics of that package look like , though , include some critical differences that will need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Before the US Senate has even passed the second coronavirus relief bill, it’s already starting work on a massive third stimulus package the Trump administration estimates could cost $1 trillion.
It would be a massive injection of cash — surpassing the bank bailout in the midst of the 2008 recession — into an economy that’s seen cratering stocks, spikes in unemployment claims, and reduced consumer spending, as the pandemic sweeps across the US. And, perhaps surprisingly, there’s relatively bipartisan support — at least for the idea of a huge stimulus, if not yet for specific proposals.
Lawmakers are referring to this as “Phase 3” of Congress’s coronavirus response. Phase 1 was an $8.3 billion bill spurring coronavirus vaccine research and development, and Phase 2, once it’s passed, will be an approximately $104 billion package largely focused on paid sick leave and unemployment benefits for workers and families. Phase 3 will be many times larger than both of the previous bills combined.
“We know an additional bill of much larger proportion is necessary to meet this crisis,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters Tuesday. “If we bend the health care curve, that will determine how long this emergency lasts. And that has required extraordinary measures that basically have us in the unusual position of the American government in effect shutting down the American economy to meet these health concerns.”
To get the economy going again, Democrats and Republicans agree they need to get money into the hands of American workers as quickly as possible. This response will likely take the form of sending checks to Americans “immediately,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced Tuesday. If this policy takes the approach of unrestricted payments to all Americans, it would be an unprecedented move in modern US history, as Vox’s Dylan Matthews explained.
“We are looking at sending checks to Americans immediately,” Mnuchin said. “Americans need to get cash now and the president wants to get cash now, and I mean now — in the next two weeks.”
But sending checks to workers is just a piece of the overall plan. The Republican-controlled Senate and President Trump’s White House are also focused on relief for businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis, including small businesses as well as larger ones like the hard-hit airline industry. McConnell has tasked his Republican members to start drafting a bill but admits bipartisan compromise with Senate Democrats will have to happen at some point since the bill needs 60 votes to pass.
“We’re going to move here in warp speed for the Senate, which almost never does anything quickly,” McConnell said. “I think everyone on both sides of the aisle is seized with the urgency of moving yet another bill, and we intend to do that.”
There aren’t a lot of details on what Senate Republicans’ “Phase 3” might look like — yet
Whereas the second coronavirus response bill was crafted in the House, the third package will originate in the Senate (the House is currently out on recess).
The third coronavirus package is in very initial phases; McConnell is designating three task forces in his Republican conference to start working with the White House on their opening bid before they negotiate with Senate Democrats. We don’t yet know when a finalized draft will be released.
In addition to getting money into the hands of individual American workers, Republicans are also looking for other ways to stimulate the economy. The White House wants $50 billion for the airline industry; the travel, cruise, and casino industries are also eager for federal money, the Washington Post reported.
Some Senate Republicans are concerned about the impacts of coronavirus on America’s small businesses, including bars and restaurants that are now shuttered after orders from state and local governments.
“The area I’ve been focused on is on the small business component,” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) told reporters Tuesday afternoon. “There’s a strong conviction and belief we’re going to have to step up using the local banks ... to provide immediate cash availability to businesses in order to be able to maintain workers on payroll. So now it’s a question of drafting it and crafting it in a way that can pass and will work.”
While McConnell was hesitant to set a number, a senior Senate Republican said Congress may well be staring down a hefty price tag to keep workers employed and businesses afloat.
“It could be a fairly substantial number,” Sen. John Thune (R-SD) said. “But I think a lot of our members believe we need to be bold and big, and make sure we’re making a clear statement about the importance of making sure our economy is stabilized and gets back on its feet.”
While the House is on recess, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is also being kept apprised of the White House’s plans. She spoke to Mnuchin over the phone Tuesday morning about America’s aviation and transportation sectors, and spoke to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in a separate call Tuesday afternoon.
“The speaker was encouraged by the chairman’s perspective that with interest rates at nearly zero, Congress is enabled to fiscally think big as we craft a robust response,” a senior Democratic aide said.
First things first: The Senate needs to approve the House bill
McConnell committed to a vote on the House legislation as soon as the upper chamber is able to this week, an update that had previously been uncertain given Republican pushback on the bill. Specifically, Republican senators were concerned that the paid sick leave requirements in the legislation would put an excessive financial burden on small businesses. McConnell, however, urged his conference to consider the bill regardless of their objections.
“We’re going to go on and vote as soon as the Senate can get permission to vote on the bill that came over from the House and send it to the president for signature,” McConnell told reporters during a briefing on Tuesday. “Some of my members have considerable problem with the House bill; my counsel is to gag and vote for it anyway.”
Already, the House bill has been stripped significantly as part of compromises that lawmakers have made with Republicans.
As Vox’s Anna North reports, the latest version of the legislation, which the Senate will consider, excludes millions of workers from paid sick days and paid leave provisions. In the most updated take on the bill, companies with 500 employees or more and companies with 50 employees or fewer can be exempted from requirements to offer workers paid sick days. Hospitals and nursing homes can also be exempted under the bill.
As a result, as many as 19 million workers could be left out of paid sick leave protections, according to the Washington Post.
Despite its shortcomings, the bill provides a significant influx of funding on a couple of fronts. It will boost funding to states, so they can expand their unemployment insurance benefits, and it guarantees free coronavirus testing for all Americans.
The idea of universal basic income is picking up momentum
Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang’s push for a universal basic income seems to be gaining steam in Congress — and it could well influence a major component of the stimulus lawmakers are envisioning. Across both parties, a growing list of lawmakers have supported sending out financial support to every American.
As Vox’s Dylan Matthews has reported, Sens. Mitt Romney and Tom Cotton are among the Republican lawmakers who’ve signaled support for this idea. Romney on Monday called for every American to get a $1,000 check as part of relief efforts.
“While expansions of paid leave, unemployment insurance, and SNAP benefits are crucial, the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options,” Romney said in a statement.
And on Tuesday, a trio of Democrats expressed their support for an even more expansive proposal that would include $2,000 payments for every adult and child under a particular income threshold.
The plan, which was put forth by Sens. Michael Bennet, Cory Booker, and Sherrod Brown and first reported by the New York Times’s Jim Tankersley, would include that first payment that’s sent out between March and June, and potentially a second payment sent out later in the year, depending on how long the coronavirus response takes.
Sen. Thune, a top Republican, said there was likely more support in his conference for directly providing funds to people than for implementing a payroll tax cut (which President Trump has pushed for). “We have a high level of interest in that idea,” he told reporters Tuesday. “That idea has a lot more resonance among our members than, say, a payroll tax cut.”
If one of these ideas does make it into the final Phase 3 legislation, and if the cash payments are truly unrestricted, “it would be a historic move,” Matthews points out:
While Americans received checks as part of the response to recessions in 2001 and 2008, those were sent out as rebates or refunds to taxpayers. Never before have all Americans, regardless of income, and including the poorest citizens who do not earn enough money to have positive income tax burdens, gotten checks.
Senate Democrats have their own ideas
Sooner or later, McConnell will need to negotiate with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, as the Senate needs 60 votes to pass a stimulus bill. And Schumer has already laid out much of what he wants to see a bill contain.
The big picture on Schumer’s demands is a stimulus package that invests massively in health preparedness, as well as one that protects workers over businesses. He is asking for bailed-out businesses to provide mandatory paid sick leave and a $15 minimum wage to their direct employees, and for businesses to comply with new requirements on whatever federal aid they receive, including prioritizing keeping workers in their jobs — rather than money going to CEOs.
“We are looking first at the medical needs,” Schumer said. “You can put all the money you want out into the economy; unless you actually solve the problem and reduce the number of cases, the number of deaths, none of that will matter. So first and foremost, we need much more bolstering on the medical side.”
Here’s a list of Schumer’s priorities, reviewed by Senate Democrats during a conference call Tuesday and obtained by Vox.
$400 billion for emergency appropriations including a surge in hospital beds, ventilators, masks, and other equipment; increased money for senior citizens; public housing for those struggling to pay rent; protections for students impacted by school closures; public transportation relief; and investments in broadband internet
for emergency appropriations including a surge in hospital beds, ventilators, masks, and other equipment; increased money for senior citizens; public housing for those struggling to pay rent; protections for students impacted by school closures; public transportation relief; and investments in broadband internet $350 billion to increase the social safety net, including expanded unemployment insurance with waived work requirements; automatic extensions to Medicaid if America falls into a recession; a 15 percent benefit increase to SNAP; and pausing monthly student debt payments
Schumer is also proposing a number of other reforms, including:
6 months of forbearance on all federally back mortgages, and a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures
Expanding unemployment insurance to cover the gap on paid sick days
Targeted funding for Indian country and tribes
Protecting prisons from the spread of Covid-19
“If you’re a worker and you lose your job or can’t work, you would qualify for nearly $10,000 over six months in unemployment benefits,” Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday. “If you can’t work because you get sick and your employer doesn’t provide paid sick leave, we would allow you apply for unemployment insurance and get reimbursed.”
There’s some agreement between both parties about the need for a major economic stimulus during this unprecedented public health crisis. What the specifics of that package look like, though, include some critical differences that will need to be worked out in the coming days.


vox--2020-03-17--The fine print of Grubhub’s $100 million relief program for ailing restaurants

Ordering delivery has become a key way for diners to support restaurants — if not delivery drivers — as dining rooms around the country shut down to stop the spread of the new coronavirus .
Earlier this week , Grubhub made news by announcing that it would defer collection of up to $ 100 million in commissions as its way of helping the restaurant industry in a time of crisis .
It ’ s a big number , making it all the more notable that Grubhub is asking for that money back down the line .
Grubhub isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some restaurant owners are criticizing the delivery company for publicizing its program as aid or financial relief .
“ To many of us in the restaurant industry , the Grubhub announcement rang out as a hollow PR move , ” says Estelle Bossy , a New York-based beverage consultant .
“ Sure it sounds great to delay payments and free up a bit of cash , but Grubhub profits by taking a 15 to 30 percent commission from each delivery , so why not really help out and reduce the commission itself ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grubhub ’ s marketing commission fees , which is what restaurants pay to appear on Grubhub ’ s platform , and it ’ s only for restaurants that are eligible to be a part of the program .
Restaurants that apply and are granted the deferral will still pay other fees , including for delivery and order processing .
Additionally , in the program ’ s fine print , among the terms and conditions of the agreement , is a stipulation that restaurants agree to keep Grubhub as a delivery service for one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s unclear how long the deferral will last , though a term sheet sent to restaurant owners states that it “ will end on a date to be determined by GH in its sole discretion , although GH currently anticipates that such date will be no later than March 29 , 2020.
” Once that time is up , restaurants will have four weeks to repay the deferred commissions , after a two-week grace period in which they make the regular commission payments of between 15 and 30 percent .
Grubhub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optional — indeed , restaurants must apply to it — but the outbreak has placed many restaurants in a dire financial situation with few remedies .
Delaying payment on commissions while simultaneously increasing — or getting into — delivery could leave restaurants with a huge tab once the pandemic subsides , especially if they postpone their financial pain in other ways , like by selling gift cards .
By comparison , competing delivery service Doordash has announced its own relief program that reduces but does not entirely eliminate commission fees during the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of commission-free delivery for new restaurants , removing commissions on pick-up orders , and reducing commissions for restaurants on DashPass , the company ’ s subscription service .
( Another competitor , Uber Eats , in its missive about “ supporting the restaurant industry through an uncertain season ” — URL slug : “ food not finances ” — says that it is waiving the delivery fee paid by consumers for “ more than 100,000 independent restaurants ” in order to drive sales , but makes no mention of reducing or waiving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
Social distancing measures have even pushed some fine dining venues into the takeaway market , but the coronavirus outbreak has also highlighted growing tensions between restaurants and delivery services .
Earlier this month , the New York City Council proposed legislation that would cap commissions at 10 percent and require disclosure all fees that delivery companies charge restaurants , among other regulations that would slightly tilt the balance of power back toward restaurants .
Doordash and Postmates have both received flack in the last year for delivering food without permission from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action lawsuit in 2019 in which restaurants alleged the site was charging restaurants for calls that weren ’ t orders .
Still , restaurants rely on third-party delivery services for the ease and visibility they offer , and at a time when delivery and takeout is the only option for serving customers , using Grubhub and its competitors is ( mostly ) hard to avoid .
In addition to its delayed commission program , Grubhub is routing all of the funds from its Donate the Change program to “ charitable organizations that support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health crisis , ” allowing customers to make a small contribution to COVID-19 relief .
But for there to be any independent restaurants left to pay its commission fees , Grubhub and the rest of the delivery platforms will need to offer some real relief of their own .

Ordering delivery has become a key way for diners to support restaurants — if not delivery drivers — as dining rooms around the country shut down to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. Earlier this week, Grubhub made news by announcing that it would defer collection of up to $100 million in commissions as its way of helping the restaurant industry in a time of crisis. It’s a big number, making it all the more notable that Grubhub is asking for that money back down the line.
Grubhub isn’t decreasing or waiving commission fees, and some restaurant owners are criticizing the delivery company for publicizing its program as aid or financial relief. “To many of us in the restaurant industry, the Grubhub announcement rang out as a hollow PR move,” says Estelle Bossy, a New York-based beverage consultant. “Sure, it sounds great to delay payments and free up a bit of cash, but Grubhub profits by taking a 15 to 30 percent commission from each delivery, so why not really help out and reduce the commission itself?”
The deferral program only applies to Grubhub’s marketing commission fees, which is what restaurants pay to appear on Grubhub’s platform, and it’s only for restaurants that are eligible to be a part of the program. Restaurants that apply and are granted the deferral will still pay other fees, including for delivery and order processing. Additionally, in the program’s fine print, among the terms and conditions of the agreement, is a stipulation that restaurants agree to keep Grubhub as a delivery service for one year after signing onto the program.
It’s unclear how long the deferral will last, though a term sheet sent to restaurant owners states that it “will end on a date to be determined by GH in its sole discretion, although GH currently anticipates that such date will be no later than March 29, 2020.” Once that time is up, restaurants will have four weeks to repay the deferred commissions, after a two-week grace period in which they make the regular commission payments of between 15 and 30 percent.
Grubhub makes clear the deferral program is entirely optional — indeed, restaurants must apply to it — but the outbreak has placed many restaurants in a dire financial situation with few remedies. Delaying payment on commissions while simultaneously increasing — or getting into — delivery could leave restaurants with a huge tab once the pandemic subsides, especially if they postpone their financial pain in other ways, like by selling gift cards.
By comparison, competing delivery service Doordash has announced its own relief program that reduces but does not entirely eliminate commission fees during the crisis. The company is offering 30 days of commission-free delivery for new restaurants, removing commissions on pick-up orders, and reducing commissions for restaurants on DashPass, the company’s subscription service. (Another competitor, Uber Eats, in its missive about “supporting the restaurant industry through an uncertain season” — URL slug: “food not finances” — says that it is waiving the delivery fee paid by consumers for “more than 100,000 independent restaurants” in order to drive sales, but makes no mention of reducing or waiving the commission fees that restaurants pay to Uber.)
Social distancing measures have even pushed some fine dining venues into the takeaway market, but the coronavirus outbreak has also highlighted growing tensions between restaurants and delivery services. Earlier this month, the New York City Council proposed legislation that would cap commissions at 10 percent and require disclosure all fees that delivery companies charge restaurants, among other regulations that would slightly tilt the balance of power back toward restaurants. Doordash and Postmates have both received flack in the last year for delivering food without permission from restaurants, while Grubhub faced a class action lawsuit in 2019 in which restaurants alleged the site was charging restaurants for calls that weren’t orders.
Still, restaurants rely on third-party delivery services for the ease and visibility they offer, and at a time when delivery and takeout is the only option for serving customers, using Grubhub and its competitors is (mostly) hard to avoid. In addition to its delayed commission program, Grubhub is routing all of the funds from its Donate the Change program to “charitable organizations that support restaurants and drivers impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis,” allowing customers to make a small contribution to COVID-19 relief. But for there to be any independent restaurants left to pay its commission fees, Grubhub and the rest of the delivery platforms will need to offer some real relief of their own.


vox--2020-03-17--5 key congressional races to watch on March 17

Despite concerns over the coronavirus pandemic , three of the four states scheduled to hold presidential primaries this Tuesday , March 17 , will go ahead as planned ( Ohio will not ) .
In Illinois , the Democratic presidential race won ’ t be the only one on the ballot .
In addition to its presidential primary , Illinois also has a slate of congressional primaries on tap for this Tuesday .
Of particular interest : a pair of progressive primary challenges to longtime Democratic House members , and three Republican primaries — two House , one Senate — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Republican House primaries — in the Sixth and 14th districts — could also have major implications for who controls the chamber when a new Congress is sworn in in January .
Two of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ’ s frontline members — first-term Reps. Sean Casten and Lauren Underwood — will be playing defense there .
In addition to races in the Sixth and 14th districts , Vox is focusing on Illinois ’ s First and Third congressional districts , as well as the GOP Senate primary to challenge Minority Whip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to watch on Tuesday night ; Vox will be covering the results live , thanks to Decision Desk .
Illinois ’ s First and Third District Democratic primaries Rep. Bobby Rush , who ’ s been in Congress since 1993 and once defeated a primary challenge from none other than future President Barack Obama ( in 2000 ) , will have three challengers to contend with on Tuesday .
Organizer Robert Emmons Jr. , law student Sarah Gad , and activist Ameena Nuur Matthews are on the ballot with Rush ; Emmons even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February .
But Rush , 73 , likely isn ’ t going anywhere .
One former Obama pollster , Ron Lester , told the New York Times in 2007 that “ taking on Bobby Rush among black voters is like running into a buzz saw.
” Nonetheless , it ’ s a race to watch , particularly as young voters and candidates take on a larger role in the Democratic Party .
In Illinois ’ s Third District , the 2020 Democratic primary is shaping up to be a rematch of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conservative Blue Dog Democrat who is prominently one of the few anti-abortion members in the party , will again face Justice Democrats-endorsed challenger Marie Newman .
Newman , who is an anti-bullying activist , made it a close race in 2018 : She came within 2.5 points of unseating Lipinski .
This time around , Newman is spending heavily against the incumbent and has strong backing from the progressive wing of the party .
She even has the support of Chicago-area Rep. Jan Schakowsky , a member of House Democratic leadership ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has earned him few friends among the party .
Whoever wins the primary will become the odds-on favorite to win the seat in November — the Third District is a deep blue seat .
Victories in the suburbs powered the Democratic wave in the 2018 midterms , and Rep. Sean Casten was one of the candidates who made a difference .
The freshman Democrat flipped a longtime GOP seat by defeating incumbent Rep. Peter Roskam in Illinois ’ s Sixth Congressional District .
Now , two Republicans are vying for the chance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former state Rep. Jeanne Ives , who previously launched an unsuccessful primary challenge against incumbent Republican Gov .
Bruce Rauner , and surgeon Gordon “ Jay ” Kinzler .
Whoever wins Tuesday ’ s race will face Casten in the general election , and seats like the Third District could make the difference in the struggle for control of the House .
It ’ s a similar story in the 14th District : Like Casten , incumbent first-term Rep. Lauren Underwood is one of the DCCC ’ s frontline members heading into 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the running for the Republican nomination to face her .
The seven candidates on the ballot are Army veteran Anthony Catella , music teacher Jerry Evans , businessman Ted Gradel , former Trump appointee Catalina Lauf , consultant Jim Marter , and Illinois state Sens .
Jim Oberweis and Sue Rezin .
As for the state ’ s US Senate seat , the Cook Political Report rates Durbin ’ s seat as solid Democratic heading into 2020 .
But there are still five Republicans running for the chance to challenge him in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Curran , Navy veteran Peggy Hubbard , and doctors Robert Marshall and Tom Tarter are all on the ballot .
Durbin will face whichever candidate wins on Thursday in the general election , and is likely to win reelection comfortably .

Despite concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, three of the four states scheduled to hold presidential primaries this Tuesday, March 17, went ahead as planned (Ohio did not). In Illinois, the Democratic presidential race wasn’t the only one on the ballot.
In addition to its presidential primary, Illinois also had a slate of congressional primaries on tap for this Tuesday. Of particular interest: a pair of progressive primary challenges to longtime Democratic House members, and three Republican primaries — two House, one Senate — to challenge Democratic lawmakers come November.
The Republican House primaries — in the Sixth and 14th districts — could also have major implications for who controls the chamber when a new Congress is sworn in in January. Two of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s frontline members — first-term Reps. Sean Casten and Lauren Underwood — will be playing defense there.
In addition to races in the Sixth and 14th districts, Vox is focusing on Illinois’s First and Third congressional districts, as well as the GOP Senate primary to challenge Minority Whip Dick Durbin. Vox is covering the results live, thanks to Decision Desk.
Illinois’s First and Third District Democratic primaries
As of 9:55 pm, our partners at Decision Desk have projected that Rep. Bobby Rush wins the First District primary and Marie Newman wins the Third District primary.
Rep. Bobby Rush, who’s been in Congress since 1993 and once defeated a primary challenge from none other than future President Barack Obama (in 2000), will have three challengers to contend with on Tuesday. Organizer Robert Emmons Jr., law student Sarah Gad, and activist Ameena Nuur Matthews are on the ballot with Rush; Emmons even won an endorsement from the Chicago Tribune in February.
But Rush, 73, likely isn’t going anywhere. One former Obama pollster, Ron Lester, told the New York Times in 2007 that “taking on Bobby Rush among black voters is like running into a buzz saw.” Nonetheless, it’s a race to watch, particularly as young voters and candidates take on a larger role in the Democratic Party.
In Illinois’s Third District, the 2020 Democratic primary is shaping up to be a rematch of the 2018 race. Rep. Dan Lipinski, a conservative Blue Dog Democrat who is prominently one of the few anti-abortion members in the party, will again face Justice Democrats-endorsed challenger Marie Newman. Newman, who is an anti-bullying activist, made it a close race in 2018: She came within 2.5 points of unseating Lipinski.
This time around, Newman is spending heavily against the incumbent and has strong backing from the progressive wing of the party. She even has the support of Chicago-area Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a member of House Democratic leadership; Lipinski’s opposition to abortion rights has earned him few friends among the party.
Whoever wins the primary will become the odds-on favorite to win the seat in November — the Third District is a deep blue seat.
Illinois’s Sixth and 14th District Republican primaries — plus a Senate challenge
As of 9:55 pm, our partners at Decision Desk have projected that former state Rep. Jeanne Ives wins the Sixth District primary and attorney Mark Curran wins the Senate primary.
Victories in the suburbs powered the Democratic wave in the 2018 midterms, and Rep. Sean Casten was one of the candidates who made a difference. The freshman Democrat flipped a longtime GOP seat by defeating incumbent Rep. Peter Roskam in Illinois’s Sixth Congressional District. Now, two Republicans are vying for the chance to take back the seat in November: former state Rep. Jeanne Ives, who previously launched an unsuccessful primary challenge against incumbent Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, and surgeon Gordon “Jay” Kinzler.
Whoever wins Tuesday’s race will face Casten in the general election, and seats like the Third District could make the difference in the struggle for control of the House.
It’s a similar story in the 14th District: Like Casten, incumbent first-term Rep. Lauren Underwood is one of the DCCC’s frontline members heading into 2020, and there are seven candidates in the running for the Republican nomination to face her.
The seven candidates on the ballot are Army veteran Anthony Catella, music teacher Jerry Evans, businessman Ted Gradel, former Trump appointee Catalina Lauf, consultant Jim Marter, and Illinois state Sens. Jim Oberweis and Sue Rezin.
As for the state’s US Senate seat, the Cook Political Report rates Durbin’s seat as solid Democratic heading into 2020. But there are still five Republicans running for the chance to challenge him in November.
Computer scientist Casey Chlebek, attorney Mark Curran, Navy veteran Peggy Hubbard, and doctors Robert Marshall and Tom Tarter are all on the ballot. Durbin will face whichever candidate wins on Thursday in the general election, and is likely to win reelection comfortably.