Days after being announced as Illinois gubernatorial candidate Daniel Biss' running mate, gay Chicago Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa ( 35th Ward ) is no longer on the ticket.
In a statement, Ramirez-Rosa said, "While I was honored to be chosen as Senator Daniel Biss' gubernatorial running mate, it became clear over the past few days that while we share a total commitment to peace, security, and statehood for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and both oppose pursuing BDS [boycott, divestment and sanctions movement] at the state level, the difference of opinion we have on the role the BDS movement plays at the federal level would make it impossible to continue moving forward as a ticket.
"I was asked to join the ticket to even more strongly advocate for the critical issues facing this state, such as Medicare for all, a $15 living wage today, affordable childcare and free college tuition. While I am no longer part of the ticket, I have every confidence that Senator Biss and I, in our different roles, will continue to be strong advocates for these progressive issues.
"I especially want to thank the members and organizational leaders of Reclaim Chicago, Our Revolution IL, and Democratic Socialists of America, and the thousands of activists who have shown their commitment to addressing these critical concerns for their confidence in me, and their continued work on these progressive issues. There is so much work to be done, and I am proud to stand by your side while we continue to build our progressive movement."
Ramirez-Rosa's announcement came after Congressman Brad Schneider withdrew his endorsement of Biss after learning of Ramirez-Rosa's stance regarding BDS, NBC Chicago noted. During its recent convention in Chicago, the Democratic Socialists of Americawhich Ramirez-Rosa joined in Marchpassed a resolution in support of the BDS movement against Israel.
The NBC Chicago item is at www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/rep-schneider-withdraws-endorsement-of-daniel-biss-over-israel-bds-concerns-442650683.html .