WASHINGTON - The national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) announced its endorsement of Jeanne Ives to represent Illinois’ 6th Congressional District, adding to a list of national conservative groups that have endorsed the former state rep and 2018 GOP gubernatorial primary candidate.
“We are proud to endorse Jeanne Ives, a bold pro-life leader who will fight to protect unborn children in Congress,” said SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. “Illinois recently passed one of the most extreme abortion laws in the country – legalizing abortion up to the moment of birth, allowing non-doctors to perform abortions, and even repealing the state’s ban on gruesome partial-birth abortions. As a state legislator, Jeanne worked hard to oppose laws forcing taxpayers to fund abortion. Illinois citizens deserve a passionate pro-life advocate like Jeanne who will stand up to the extreme abortion lobby in Washington.”
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Susan B. Anthony List in the 2020 primary,” Ives said in a press release following the SBA announcement. “They have been very effective in protecting innocent lives. I’ve always stood up for the rights of the unborn, as well as the health and safety of their mothers. As a Congresswoman, I will continue to defend our most vulnerable, and to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.”
In her response, Ives’ also pointed out that the incumbent Democrat Representative Sean Casten equated abortion with “gallbladder surgery” and called legislation that protects life “stupid policy.” As it relates to his legislative goals, Casten said he "would love, as the inheritor of Henry Hyde’s seat, to be able to cast the deciding vote to repeal [The Hyde Amendment, which prevents government from forcing taxpayers to fund abortion].” Casten also lists radical Leftist activist Dan Savage as his "ideological North Star." Savage once called for “mandatory abortion."
Ives support from national conservative groups continues to grow.
Earlier this month, a conservative Republican caucus in the U.S. Congress endorsed Ives over 6th CD primary competitors Evelyn Sanguinetti, former lieutenant governor and Jay Kinzler, a surgeon.
The House Freedom Fund, the influential conservative political action committee chaired by Congressmen Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Mark Meadows (R-North Carolina) and Scott Perry (R-Pennsylvania), endorsed Ives for Congress .
“Change in Washington means changing the people we send there and HFF is making that happen by sending principled, conservative outsiders to D.C,” states Meadows. HFF praised Ives, saying, “Former State Representative Jeanne Ives is a West Point graduate, a U.S. Army veteran, a wife, a mother of five, and a no-nonsense conservative fighter that we can count on.”
“I am honored to have the endorsement of US Representatives who are known, and respected for putting principles above politics,” said Ives. “They have stood up to both parties when necessary. And they have worked with members of both parties when policy aligns. It’s clear that the HFF exemplifies the independent spirit of the people in the Sixth District. I look forward to working with them to ensure that the next generation enjoys the freedom and opportunity that we have known.”
Insider polls reportedly show Ives leading in the three-way primary, although the poll insiders are not yet willing to go on record.