Oak Lawn, Illinois (CNN) Illinois Rep. Dan Lipinski is an endangered species. Out of place in today's Democratic Party and in his own diversifying district on a host of issues including abortion, the seven-term congressman is fighting for survival in Tuesday's primary election. His conservative stances have made him the target of progressive activists who are fighting to purge the party of what they see as views that are anathema to its energized base during an election cycle that features more women running for office than ever before. These activists, including groups like Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America and EMILY's List, are backing Marie Newman in a contest that has put a Democratic incumbent in serious jeopardy of being ousted by his own party for the first time since President Donald Trump took office. It's turned Tuesday's contest into a both a purity test on the race's central issue -- abortion -- and a gauge of whether "Blue Dogs" have a future in Democratic politics beyond upset victories in red districts.

Source: CNN March 19, 2018 21:11 UTC