Illinois groups celebrate Joe Biden’s election as president
Various factions representing Illinois and the state’s interests were fast to add their congratulations today on the projected election of Joseph R. Biden as the 46th president of the United States.
The voting edge in his home state of Pennsylvania put him over the necessary 270 electors just before 10:25 a.m., according to various news sites.
Here are some of the continuing congratulations that are arriving:
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois
“President-elect Joe Biden is a public servant in the best sense of the term. He has taken the strength and wisdom he learned from his family, and his own experiences with loss and hardship, and he has used those lessons to give millions of Americans reasons to hope and ways to heal. And by his side is an outstanding Vice President-elect in my colleague, Kamala Harris. Her historic election shows girls, women, and people of color across this country that your future is limitless. I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to tackle this coronavirus pandemic head-on, get our economy back on track, and move our country forward.
“The last four years did not break America, but revealed what was already broken. Now we must come together to heal some of the terrible wounds of our past, and together, create a better, more just, more prosperous America – not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren.”
National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons
“Manufacturers congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on being declared the winner of the presidential election. The American people have spoken, and they have chosen a leader who throughout this campaign spoke of healing and bipartisanship. We also congratulate Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Her election will resound through history, and we are hopeful that it will send a message that helps us achieve the more inclusive country that manufacturers work to build every day.
“Manufacturers trust the democratic process, and the vote counts are clear enough that the networks have confidently projected a winner. Poll workers tirelessly counted ballots through a pandemic to handle record turnout and make sure the process worked. Recounts are also part of our system, and we trust that they will be carried out fairly and carefully where required or requested. As part of the democratic process, we want to make sure this election is accurate and there are no valid questions about its legitimacy.
“When Joe Biden becomes the 46th President of the United States, he will take office in the face of crises of historic proportions and deep divisions. Throughout this difficult year, manufacturers have consistently risen to the occasion to help keep our fellow Americans safe, healthy and fed. We pledge to continue our leadership, especially as we race toward a vaccine, and we will work with a Biden–Harris administration, along with the new Congress, to achieve economic recovery and American renewal. Manufacturers are committed to being part of the solution.
“Our focus at the National Association of Manufacturers has always been on policy—not politics, personality or process. And so we look forward to working with anyone and everyone who shares the objectives of our policy goals—and advocating constructively with those who may not. It should be clear from the gains made by the Republican Party in this election that the American people are not interested in extreme policies from either party; they are looking for smart, stable and solutions-oriented governance. The right approach, one that can unify our country, is an agenda like that advanced by manufacturers—a competitive tax and regulatory system, infrastructure investment, comprehensive immigration reform, expanded trade and a strengthened workforce.
“This election has tested our nation. Election Day is behind us, and an uncertain future awaits. The choice facing each American is how we move forward. For our part, manufacturers choose to move forward in a way that will advance the values that make America exceptional: free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity. We invite all of our leaders and fellow Americans to join us.”
Jennifer Welch, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action
“Congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their historic victory. Illinois voters’ voices were heard loud and clear, and together, we elected a new president who is fully committed to protecting access to sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion. We are grateful to see these leaders elected to the two highest offices in this country.
We are also grateful to all of our Illinois supporters who voted. You helped make these wins possible.
I am especially proud of all of the reproductive health care champions who won seats in the Illinois Senate this week, including Rep. Karina Villa (D-25), who flipped the 25th district, and Senator Dave Koehler (D-46) who successfully defended his seat.
In the Illinois State House, we celebrate Maura Hirschauer (D-49), Joyce Mason (D-61), Dagmara “Dee” Avelar (D-85), and Katie Stuart (D-112). We especially want to congratulate Janet Yang Rohr (D-41), who defeated an incumbent, Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-48), who saw a resounding victory, and Suzanne Ness (D-66), who flipped the district. We also want to congratulate Kim Foxx, the former Planned Parenthood of Illinois board chair, who was re-elected as Cook County State’s Attorney.
With these wins up and down the ballot, now is the time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
While Illinois passed the Reproductive Health Act in 2019—which recognizes the fundamental right to abortion in Illinois in the event of Roe v. Wade being overturned—we are not completely safe from the continued attacks on our reproductive freedom. These election victories do not change the facts; there are more than a dozen cases waiting to be heard by the Supreme Court, which is poised to restrict or ban abortion at the federal level, and Illinois is not immune to attack as states nationwide continue to chip away at reproductive rights.
To that end, PPIA will work closely with elected officials at both the state and federal levels to build a more equitable future for all people. A country where workers are treated as essential every day. Where we answer young people’s call for progress. Where Black people and other people of color finally realize the revolutionary change they’ve been demanding. And women are recognized for the transformational impact that they make every day, including the power to determine elections.
It’s time for the Biden administration to begin delivering on its promises, and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action will be there every step of the way.”
Illinois Federation of Teachers
Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery released the following statement on the resounding victory of former Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Senator Kamala Harris:
“Today is a victory for all Americans who rejected hatred and stood on the side of democracy and equity by ousting Trump and his dangerous agenda that has threatened our nation. Americans stepped up during a pandemic and participated in democracy by breaking voting records. We celebrate a new beginning for our country where facts, decency, and civility will be the standard once again.
“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will set our country on a new course by tackling the pandemic utilizing medical experts and science. Their leadership will help mend the divisions among Americans of different races and backgrounds. And they will protect our future by rebuilding an economy that works for all of us, addressing the ongoing climate crisis, standing up for workers, and firmly defending the rights of women.
“The damage Trump has inflicted on our country is undeniable, but with President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris at the helm, we can start to rebuild a fairer and more just America. We look forward to his inauguration on January 20 and the next four years.”
