Bill Lipinski facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bill Lipinski
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois
In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 2005
Preceded by	John G. Fary
Succeeded by	Dan Lipinski
Constituency	5th district (1983–1993) 3rd district (1993–2005)
Member of the Chicago City Council
In office 1975–1983
Preceded by	Joseph Potempa
Succeeded by	William F. Krystyniak
Constituency	23rd ward
Personal details
Born	William Oliver Lipinski (1937-12-22) December 22, 1937 (age 87) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Rose Lipinski
Children	2 including Dan
Education	Loras College

William Oliver Lipinski (born December 22, 1937) is an American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. From 1983 to 2005, he served in the United States House of Representatives. He represented a part of Chicago, Illinois, in Congress.

Bill Lipinski's Life and Work

Early Life and Public Service

William "Bill" Lipinski was born in Chicago, Illinois. He went to Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. From 1961 to 1967, he served in the United States Army Reserve. Later, he worked for the Chicago Park District. This was a public job in the city of Chicago.

In 1975, Mayor Richard J. Daley chose him for an important role. Lipinski became the Democratic committeeman for Chicago's 23rd Ward. This area is in the southwest part of the city. In the same year, Lipinski was elected to the Chicago City Council. He became an alderman for the 23rd Ward. Aldermen are like city council members. They help make decisions for the city. Lipinski was an alderman until he became a congressman in 1983.

Serving in Congress

In 1982, Bill Lipinski decided to run for Congress. He challenged the current Democratic representative, John G. Fary. Lipinski won the primary election. This meant he would be the Democratic candidate. He was then easily elected in November. He became the representative for Illinois' 5th Congressional District. This district included much of southwestern Chicago.

Lipinski helped James Laski, who later became the City Clerk of Chicago. Laski worked as Lipinski's assistant. Lipinski also played a big part in getting money for the CTA Orange Line. This is a train line in Chicago.

Lipinski was reelected four times from the 5th Congressional District. He won easily each time. After the 1990 census, his district changed. It was combined with the 3rd district. This district was represented by his friend, Marty Russo. Lipinski ran against Russo in the 1992 Democratic primary. Lipinski won this election. This almost guaranteed him a sixth term in Congress. He was reelected five more times from this new district. He only faced a tough election once, in 1994.

While in the House of Representatives, Lipinski was on the Transportation Committee. His district included Midway Airport. It also had many railroad crossings.

Lipinski was a more traditional Democrat. He was part of a group called the Blue Dog Coalition. This group was known for being more conservative. In the 2000 presidential election, Lipinski supported Bill Bradley.

Lipinski (far left) in 2004 with Steve Schlickman, Illinois State Senator Barack Obama, and State Representative Julie Hamos.

In 2004, Lipinski easily won his primary election. This meant he would likely win a 12th term in Congress. But on August 13, 2004, Lipinski announced he would retire. He decided not to run in the November election. His term ended on January 3, 2005. As the committeeman for the 23rd Ward, he had influence. He convinced Democratic leaders to choose his son, Dan Lipinski, to replace him on the ballot. Dan Lipinski was a professor at the University of Tennessee. The younger Lipinski won the election. He was reelected several times until 2020. In 2020, he lost his primary election to Marie Newman.

After Congress: Lobbying

After leaving Congress in 2007, Bill Lipinski started a lobbying firm. A lobbyist tries to influence government decisions. In its first eight years, his firm earned $4 million. His clients included the Chicago Transit Authority and Metra. These clients had business with the House Transportation Committee. Lipinski had been an important member of this committee. His son, Dan, also served on the committee. Some people were concerned about this. However, Dan Lipinski said his father did not try to influence him.