Cardinal Blase Cupich’s decision to present Catholic Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity is offensive to Catholics and Protestants around the country. 

It is especially offensive to Catholic politicians who have fought in debates, committee hearings and in front of hostile press and who have been called hateful names and had smear campaigns directed at them for holding positions that align with Catholic doctrine. 

It is also breathtakingly tone-deaf, especially in Illinois at present.

When I sought election for state representative in Illinois, my primary reason for running was to curb the over-taxation and misspending that is endemic at all levels of government. Running for office at that level, though, meant that I would also be voting on policies related to moral issues, including abortion, “transgender” surgeries for minors, and the redefinition of marriage. 

As a pro-life Catholic, I knew Illinois could be a minefield, but I was also determined not to hide what I firmly believe is the truth and vote my conscience accordingly. As a graduate of West Point, I am well aware that acting with honor and integrity almost always comes with a cost. 

When a candidate moves to the level of state and national politics, various interest groups can determine if that person wins or loses an election. Sen. Durbin knew this, and in 1982, when he first ran for public office in an election for the United States Congress, he used his pro-life connections to win.

In the conservative district surrounding Springfield, Illinois, Durbin’s pro-life position and relationships to pro-life organizations were critical to that first election victory. He likely would not have won without pro-life endorsements.

In a July 2022 Frontpage magazine article, Terrence Jeffrey detailed Durbin’s pandering to pro-life organizations, noting that in that first election, Durbin sent out on campaign stationery a note to supporters that stated, “My record of opposition to abortion on demand has been public record for eight years.”

The article quoted Durbin insisting to the Decatur Herald Review, “I have worked with the Springfield Right to Life Chapter for eight years and have served repeatedly as moderator at the Right to Life observance in the State Capitol each year.”

And first wins are critical in politics. Incumbency is powerful when running in subsequent elections and often leads to long careers in public office, as it has for Durbin. His opponent in that first critical race?  A pro-choice Republican. 

By 1996, Durbin took a cue from President Bill Clinton’s sophistical abortion mantra “safe, legal, and rare” to satisfy the more moderate electorate around Chicago as he ran for the U.S. Senate. In that race, the previously pro-life Durbin spent millions of dollars to attack fellow Catholic candidate Al Salvi for his pro-life stances on abortion, which reflect the Catholic Church’s teachings. In fact, Durbin called his views “outside the mainstream” on the issue.

Durbin won handily, and just eight years later, had a 100% approval rating from the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL), securing his perfect score by voting against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act in 2003.

Missing from the entire discussion on whether Durbin deserves a “lifetime achievement award” from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity is how Durbin used his massive power in the U.S. Senate. 

In 2005, Durbin was elevated to Democratic Whip for the U.S. Senate, the second most powerful position in his caucus. He still holds this position. For more than 20 years, Durbin could have used his powerful position to influence his colleagues to reject radical abortion policies. He didn’t — not even for more moderate restrictions, like late-term abortion bans.

Shamefully, under his leadership, his party colluded to oust the last pro-life Democrat in Congress, Dan Lipinski, in a primary in 2020. Lipinski, who holds an advanced degree in engineering from Stanford and served on the Transportation Committee, voted with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Party 90% of the time. Yet the votes on abortion he cast as a matter of conscience and human rights were enough to place a large target on his back. His fellow elected officials endorsed his opponent.

Durbin’s record on the fundamental issue of whether a human in the womb has a right to life includes a shocking and disrespectful grilling of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett during her confirmation hearings, inquiring whether she considered herself to be an “orthodox Catholic.” Durbin voted against her nomination.

Cardinal Cupich should be focusing his energies on what the elected Democrats have done in Illinois. Gov. JB Pritzker, the most radical pro-abortion elected official in the nation, has made Illinois a travel destination for abortion. At least five new large abortion businesses have opened near Illinois’ borders in recent years, including a new “all-trimester” clinic in Chicago. 

Cardinal Cupich knows Durbin’s record on abortion is indefensible. So, he has stated that the award is being granted for Durbin’s work with immigrants. But, Durbin’s most recent work with immigrants is for the support of illegal immigrants who poured over an open border, violating our laws and creating division in the country. 

On this issue, Durbin also stands in solidarity with protesters opposing federal law enforcement, who have been violently attacked. Rather than support legal operations to round up criminal illegals, Durbin held a press conference to oppose ICE from being located at Great Lakes Naval Station.

Durbin also scandalously voted against the Laken Riley Act. His support of President Biden’s open borders allowed human traffickers and drug cartels to operate freely and terrorists to infiltrate our country.

At every turn, Durbin’s positions violate Catholic doctrine and, in so doing, harm the least among us.

When Cardinal Cupich chooses to hold up as a role model someone like Dick Durbin, it sends a clear message to every other politician that upholding Catholic teaching is not important. Cardinal Cupich wields immense power. He has the power to influence people, and therefore influence their vote, by educating them on fundamental truths. The question is: What does he think he is teaching in this moment?

In the wake of growing criticism, Cardinal Cupich is not budging and is instead justifying his decision as a way to “dialogue” with Sen. Durbin. Conversing with politicians on matters of public policy, though, does not mean bestowing an award. 

Should the cardinal truly wish to host a dialogue on issues ranging from abortion to immigration, I would be happy to debate Sen. Durbin. All the cardinal need do is ask.

Editor’s note: The Register reached out to Sen. Durbin’s office for comment Sept. 24 and has yet to receive a reply.