POLS ON THE STREET: Murphy Gets A Rack Of City Law Endorsements

BY JOE SHAHEELI/ The Attorney General’s seat has eluded Democrats in Pennsylvania since it was legislated into an independent body by law in the ’80s. One wonders if it is a jinx, or just the way the voters see it as a balance-of-power proposition.

 But since the state is now in the hands of a GOP Governor and a GOP-dominated General Assembly, Democrat aspirants see themselves as portraying to the voters one of them will serve to balance the scales of justice and the electorate should see to it a Democrat fills that seat.

Republican nominee David Freed is uncontested, but the Dems now have three vying in the primary: Pat Murphy, Kathleen Kane, and Don Bailey, former Congressman and Auditor General, originally from Westmorland Co. and now based in Harrisburg.

Racing for endorsements have been Murphy and Kane, with Murphy picking up substantial union support. In the past two weeks he has been endorsed by the SEIU Pennsylvania State Council with nearly 80,000 workers, and the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5. President John McNesby and Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams announced their formal endorsements of  the Iraq War veteran here. Lodge 5 represents 14,600 active and retired officers of the Philadelphia Police and Sheriff’s Departments.

Kane, career prosecutor and Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania Attorney General, received the unanimous endorsement of the Beaver Co. Democratic Committee last week.

“Kathleen Kane is by far the most experienced and qualified candidate to be our next Attorney General,” said Carol Ruckert Fiorucci, Clerk of Orphan’s Court in Beaver Co. and a member of the Beaver Co. Democratic Committee. “The Democratic Party in Beaver Co. will work tirelessly and enthusiastically to help ensure Kathleen’s victory.”

That endorsement came a day after she was endorsed by the Women’s Campaign Fund, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected office who support reproductive health choices for all.

It is interesting to note Kane has signed on Frank Keel, a well-known Philadelphia publicist with close ties to IBEW Local 98’s John Dougherty. He was seen scouting outside the Fraternal Order of Police Building as Murphy was being endorsed by  McNesby and Williams.

Bailey’s entry, recent polling indicated, still finds a 24% awareness among steady voters. But his petitions are being challenged and reports indicate he may not qualify to stay in contention.

Murphy’s roots are in Philadelphia’s Northeast. His father, Jack, was a 22-year veteran of the Philadelphia police force. He has several relatives on the force at present.

He remembers his mother daily listened to the radio scanner and tensed up after hearing her husband’s number respond to police calls.

Both Williams and McNesby stated they believe Murphy will enhance the handling of the office of Attorney General.

“As the son of a Philadelphia police officer, Patrick is an experienced leader who understands law enforcement, and has always fought for us,” McNesby said. “Whether it was fighting to put more cops on the street, or the resources we need to protect our children from sexual predators, Patrick has always done whatever it takes to keep our families safe, and Lodge 5 is proud to endorse him for Attorney General.”

“Tough and smart, Patrick Murphy has the experience and passion to protect the people of Pennsylvania. As Attorney General, Patrick will be the champion that local law enforcement needs to put dangerous criminals behind bars and keep our streets safe,” Williams said. “Patrick put his life on the line to defend our nation. He will bring that commitment to this job, and Pennsylvania will be safer for it.”

BRADY BROADCASTS FROM YEADON

Congressman Bob Brady is beginning to draw larger listening audiences as he continues his last  Monday of the Month morning live radio show over WURD, 800 AM. This past Monday, the Breakfast with Brady show, hosted by Bill Anderson, included guests Mayor Helen Thomas of Darby, Mayor Jayne Young of Lansdowne and other local officials who gathered at the Africans & Jamaicans Kitchen.

 

169^TH FOR SURE A CITY SEAT

The redistricting writing is on the wall, and the race to replace former State Rep, now Councilman, Denny O’Brien will remain a Philadelphia affair. The three York Co. Republicans who had filed for the seat withdrew their candidacies, leaving just Republicans John McCann and David Kralle, O’Brien’s former aide, and Democrat Ed Neilson, a former official in Gov. Rendell’s Administration.

MORLEY CHALLENGES FARNESE’S FINANCES

Independent Democrat candidate for the Senate of Pennsylvania in the 1st Dist. John H. Morley, Jr. has filed a legal challenge against the candidacy of incumbent State Sen. Lawrence M. Farnese, Jr. (D-S. Phila.). Morley alleges campaign-finance reports filed by Farnese’s PAC, Friends of Farnese, are fraudulent. He says his contention are “bolstered by an audit by the Certified Public Accounting Firm, Wessel & Company hired by the Commonwealth in 2008.”

In one line of the litigation, Morley states, “Purported contributions and expenditures simply appear in some Page 1 summaries and disappear in other Page 1 Summaries, without a trace of recording in the itemized schedules.”

NESMITH WITHDRAWS FROM 186^TH RACE; JAZZ STILL IN

Second Ward Democrat Leader Ed Nesmith, who had been considered a favorite in the crowded field of primary candidates for the 186^th Legislative seat left vacant by now-Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, has withdrawn from the race.

Still in the race and facing challenges are Fawwaz “Jazz” Beyha, Hon. Harold James, Timothy Hannah, Damon Roberts and Jordan Harris.

This pares down the race to one question: Whether Harris, who has the full backing of Sen. Anthony Williams and other Southeast leaders,will be able to hold back a challenge from Fawwaz “Jazz” Beyha, successful and well-known South Philly businessman.

Beyha is known to everyone in the district as “Jazz”, name he acquired while singing with his brother’s group in 1979.

“I am the most qualified because I have lived in this district for the past 46 years of my life. I know all the bad and the good in the district. And I know how to be accountable.”

Jazz was a gifted youth. One example was his unique ability to cut hair without being trained. One day, when about 14 years-old, his father brought home some hair-clippers. Jazz discovered them and began to experiment with the “natural” style cuts; and he created unique styles of the Flat-Top Cut. Between the ages of 14 to 18, throughout his high-school years, Jazz made money as people flocked to his basement barbershop.

Jazz is a 1983graduate of South Philly HS. Standing 6’ 4”, he was starting center on the basketball team in his senior year, playing alongside future NBA star Nate Blackwell.

As his circle of associates grew so did the number of temptations on the streets. He began experimenting with drugs and became addicted to crack-cocaine by 1985. As he became more dependent upon the drug, his parents decided to apply tough-love, and put him out of their house. He was now homeless in 1986.

“Between 1987 and 1991,” he relates, “I was homeless, living in abandoned cars.” Then a conversion took place; a metamorphosis — complete change of life. After a life-threatening event, he knew he had to change. Then he entered the Treatment, Shelter Recovery program of the City.

Jazz sought to return barbering, a business that he knew well, and one that he could build, opening the first of his “Jazz-U-Up” Hair Salons at Point Breeze & Wharton in 1992.

Soon, he opened another shop at 19^th & Mifflin; then another at 16^th & Tasker; and another at Point Breeze and Reed; and a women’s salon at 28^th & Dickinson by 2010.

He encouraged his 20-year-old son, Vance, to start a Recording Studio. The father-son duo used that to draw young men off the streets and to learn the recording business.

Now he is rebuilding his old neighborhoods. His Jazz-U-Up Construction Co. is engaged in the rehabilitation of properties; and the construction of new homes. Jazz maintains that he is the second largest minority employer in South Philly next to Kenny Gamble’s Universal Industries.

An original organizer, he has contributed financially and recruited young people — for 12 years — to join the Point Breeze Youth Basketball League. The league services more than 500 youths in summer basketball games. Joined by the Philadelphia Police Department the league operates at Chew Playground, 19^th & Washington Avenue.

Beyha sees all those young people “as my get out the vote supporters on Election Day.”

HO HUM, IN CASE YOU’RE WONDERING

The 2011 Legislative Reapportionment Commission Public Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in Rooms 8E A&B, Main Capitol was postponed. This Public Meeting has been rescheduled to be held on Friday, Mar. 2, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in Senate Hearing Room One of the North Office Building.

It is obvious, though, 2001 redistricting lines will be the arena for all candidates in the legislative and senatorial district races this year.

BABETTE NAMES CAMPAIGN CHIEF

Progressive Representative Babette Josephs has named Lois Herr as her campaign chairperson.

Herr spent 26 years in telecommunications management, taught at Elizabethtown College, ran for Congress, served on the boards of numerous corporate, civic and service organizations, operated a farm and wrote two books. “Babette is the progressive leader we need looking out for us in Harrisburg,” Herr said.

“There are only 18 Democratic women in the General Assembly – about 7%,” Herr continued. “Is it any surprise that Republicans think they can run roughshod over our rights? With so much at stake, it does us no good to fight amongst ourselves. Now is the time to put more pro-choice women in the legislature, and defend the ones we have.”

Herr ran for US House in Pennsylvania’s 16^th Dist. three times, served as executive director of the Lancaster Co. Democratic Committee from 2007 to 2008 and traveled to Denver as a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. During the 1970s, she served in the White House Office of Management & Budget under President Gerald Ford.

“Lois Herr’s dedication to equality has empowered so many of us to achieve what was once considered impossible,” Rep. Josephs said. “She has shouldered the women’s movement since its inception and she actually wrote the book on increasing opportunities for women in the workplace. Lois knows what it’s like to go up against intransigence and regression the way I do every day in Harrisburg. I’ve been pleased to call her a friend over the years and today I’m proud to have her wisdom and her support.”

KEVIN BOYLE PROVES A FUNDRAISING HEAVY

The reelection campaign of State Rep. Kevin Boyle (D-Northeast)  has already raised over $200,000 for this campaign. The campaign is on track to meet its $500,000 goal for the 2012 campaign.

Strong fundraising is not new for Boyle. In 2010, Kevin Boyle raised over $400,000 in his successful race against former House Speaker John Perzel. “Kevin is a great fundraiser and his impressive numbers show that,” said Ethan Smith, who is executive director of the House Democratic Campaign Committee.

In addition to what candidates raise for their own races, HDCC spends its resources in its targeted races, which are typically in competitive districts. “In 2010, HDCC raised $7 million dollars to help our members and we expect to hit that number again this year,” said HDCC Chairman State Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Northeast), Boyle’s brother.

 

AUTHOR, SCHOLAR IN RACE FOR 180^TH

Anthony P. Johnson, of Juniata Park, has announce his candidacy for State Representative for the 180th District, saying  “I am not a politician — I am a human-service professional who is dedicated to changing the quality of life for the people in this community.”

Johnson is currently a Human Services lead instructor in a post-secondary school in Philadelphia and is also the founder and director of Dream Field Academy providing mentoring and educational enhancement to at-risk youth in his Juniata neighborhood.

With a Master’s degree in Central & Eastern European History, Johnson has written three books and more than 60 articles addressing social and political reform that are published locally and nationally. In addition, he’s been awarded more than $80,000 as a grant writer. In 2002 & 2004, he was recommended for the Fulbright Scholarship.

GREEN PARTY NAMES NEW LEADERSHIP

The members of the Green Party of Philadelphia met last week to elect their new leadership at a meeting hosted by Milan Marvelous at Calvary Center for Culture & Community.

Charles Sherrouse, a Green from Oxford Circle (Ward 54), chaired the meeting and explained the GPOP City Committee has four officers and three members at large.

For the next year, the Green Party will have the following officials: Chair Vivek Ananthan (incumbent) is a founder of GPOP and the treasurer of the Green Party of Pennsylvania, www.gpofpa.org. A resident of Northern Liberties (Ward 5), Vivek has retired from health-food merchandising. Treasurer Belinda Davis (incumbent) is a history professor who lives in Chestnut Hill (Ward 9).Membership Secretary Carol McLean (incumbent) is an accounts-receivable specialist for an in-home healthcare program. She lives in Germantown (Ward 59).

Recording Secretary Dave Butler is a grant writer and computer consultant from Roxborough (Ward 21). At-Large Member Hugh Giordano (incumbent) is a union organizer from Roxborough (Ward 21).At-Large Member John Gonzalez is an accountant from Fairhill (Ward 19).At-Large Member Chris Robinson (incumbent) is a grocery clerk from Germantown (Ward 59).

CONFIDENCE UP, POLL FINDS

American voters say 54-43% the economy has begun to recover, a 51-point shift in opinion since Sep. 1, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released today.

This is a reversal from a Sep. 1 survey in which voters said 68-28% the economy was not in recovery.

Voters say 66-30% the economy is in a recession, down from 77-20% in an Oct. 16 survey by the independent Quinnipiac University.

But the improved voter confidence does not help President Barack Obama who gets a negative 45-49% job-approval rating, compared to negative 44-50% rating Nov. 23.

COMMONWEALTH CLUB ADDS PHILLY MEMBERS

A major turnout at the home of Republican ward leader and Commonwealth Board Director member Mike Cibik ended up with signing 25 new Commonwealth Club members.

Cibik said the 100 who attended enjoyed meeting Rob Gleason, US Senate candidate Steve Welch, David Oh and Al Schmidt among others.

The Commonwealth Club is dedicated to promoting GOP candidates. Members are invited to monthly get togethers.

KRALLE IIN FAMILIAR TERRITORY

Longtime Denny O’Brien staffer Dave Kralle has launched his campaign to replace his former boss, now Councilman Denny O’Brien. It’s a belated campaign start since under early redistricting lines  the 169^th Dist. seat in had been moved to York.

He faces fellow Republican John McCann in the primary and then must take on   Democrat Edward Neilson in the general election.

PAYTON WANTS TO DEBATE

State Rep. Tony Payton (D-Kensington) won’t duck any chance to debate his primary opponent James Clay in the 179th. Usually incumbents don’t want to give opponents unnecessary exposure. But Tony says he’ll take him on seven times if he wants. What’s Tony know we don’t?

LIBERTARIANS TO CONVENE IN WILKES-BARRE

 During its November state meeting in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania selected Wilkes-Barre to host the 2012 State Libertarian Convention. According to current LPPA state chair, Lou Jasikoff, convention dates have now been confirmed and will run from Friday, Apr. 20 through Sunday, Apr. 22. The convention will be held at the Kirby Center for Performing Arts and the Best Western Genetti Hotel and Convention Center.

PAM DeLISSIO BEGINS CAMPAIGN

State Rep. Pamela A. DeLissio (D-Northwest) announced she will seek to retain her seat in the Pennsylvania State House. After filing her nominating petitions, DeLissio remarked, “I’m proud of the work I’ve done for my constituents during my initial 14 months and there’s more to be done. My dialogue with constituents, particularly during the nine Town Hall meetings I conducted over the past year, affirms that voters want public policy driven by the needs of the citizens and not by politics.”

(631-04-8596)

AT FUNDRAISER in E. Mount Airy, young progressive leaders of diverse origins gathered around Numa St. Louis, who is tapping citywide network. From left are political consultant Anthony Ingargiola, Springfield Township Commissioner Jeffrey Harbison, small-business organizer Andy Toy, St. Louis, attorney Giovanni Campbell, and hosts Nina Ahmad and husband Ahsan Nasratullah.

NUMA EXCITED OVER CAMPAIGN

The race in  the 202nd district is reminiscent of the tortoise and the hare. The tortoise, in this case, being State Rep. Mark Cohen (D-N. Phila.), a Democrat who has been in office for nearly 40 years. The hare is opponent Numa St. Louis, a committeeman and educator from the 61^st Ward. Numa has impressed critics so far, after collecting more than three times the amount of petition signatures required to obtain candidacy.

Cohen once criticized Numa St. Louis for being fraudulent and exercising poor judgment in the selection of his Facebook friends, on the campaign’s page “Team Numa 2012. The team’s Campaign Office is located at 5917 Old York Road. Visit the website at www.vote4numa.com.

JOINING Bob Brady here are, from left, Nelson Haneef, John Dougherty, Lee Schwartz, Ed Thornton and Kevin Price.

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