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Activist Kina Collins Leaves Pritzker Campaign, Joins Sameena Mustafa for Congress


Sameena Mustafa
Democrat Sameena Mustafa is challenging Congressman Mike Quigley in the Democratic Primary in the 5th Congressional district. (Source: Twitter)

Says she is “proud” to be with a candidate who embodies bold progressive leadership

CHICAGO –(ENEWSPF)—February 12, 2018

By: Monique M. Rooker

On the day that tapes were released of Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker speaking disparagingly about African American leaders, Kina Collins announced her resignation from his campaign. “Character,” she explained, “is not what you do when the whole world is watching, character is what you do when no one is watching.”

Days later, Collins joined the campaign of progressive Democrat Sameena Mustafa, who is challenging Congressman Mike Quigley in the Democratic Primary in the 5th Congressional district.

“We don’t have to compromise on the leaders we elect,” Collins said of her choice to join Mustafa’s campaign. “Sameena is a leader who knows the community, has proven her commitment to progressive values, and she’s challenging one of the most conservative Democrats in Congress. Democrats are demanding principled leadership in Congress, and I’m proud to work with Sameena and her grassroots campaign.” Collins is the CEO and founder of the Chicago Neighborhood Alliance which focuses on gun violence, criminal justice reform, civic engagement, diversity and inclusion, and women’s rights.

“I could not be prouder to have Kina join this campaign,” Mustafa said. “Kina is the kind of leader that is transforming the city and helping bring people together to demand real change in our communities and in their elected leaders.”

Mustafa, long involved in the local business, arts, and nonprofit communities, has been running a robust progressive campaign against self-described centrist Mike Quigley, who has been voting against progressive policy for years. “People are shocked when they learn how Mike Quigley has voted for increased military spending and to allow warrantless spying, refused to support Medicare for All and a living wage, and has received millions of dollars in funding from corporate PACs and special interests. His claims to be standing up to Donald Trump are pretty hollow when he’s advocating for much of the same agenda.”

Mustafa’s campaign has boosted in recent weeks by endorsements from local and national progressive organizations, IVI-IPO and Americans for Democratic Action, but she says it’s the support of activists like Collins that show the most momentum. “This campaign is about making real change by bringing people together, and I can’t think of anyone who has embodied that spirit more than Kina. That’s why we’re going to win, because people want leaders who will push for bold solutions, not make excuses for Republican-lite policy.”

The Democratic Primary is five weeks away, on March 20th.

About Sameena Mustafa:

Born to Indian Muslim immigrant parents, Sameena is a native Chicagoan and has lived in the 5th District for over 30 years. After advocating for women, girls and marginalized groups for 25 years – including operating a Planned Parenthood clinic on Chicago’s West Side – Sameena is running to bring bold, progressive and inclusive leadership to Washington. To learn more about Sameena’s campaign, please visit https://www.sameenaforcongress.com.

Source: www.sameenaforcongress.com


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