POLS ON THE STREET: Politico Mag Credits Brady With Landing Democratic Convention

by Joe Shaheeli

Congressman Bob Brady… where credit belongs.

Only one of 435 Congressmen in Washington but this city’s chief mover, shaker, and compromiser, Bob Brady was highlighted by Politico magazine after the furor died down over the Democratic National Convention Committee’s announcement it would be coming to Philly for its presidential convention.

Published daily on the web and bimonthly in print, the magazine is home for ambitious, distinctive journalism about the people, ideas, and institutions that matter most in Washington – and beyond. It’s D.C.’s counterpart to the Philadelphia Public Record, featuring hard-hitting original reporting as well as smart analysis, provocative argument, and first-person perspectives.

Politico noticed the real credit for the city’s landing the 2016 Democratic convention had to go to Congressman Bob Brady, who has chaired the City Democratic Party since 1986. Politico reported Brady was “responsible for much of the behind-the-scenes work that led to Philadelphia’s bid. Brady has pushed for Philadelphia to host the Democratic convention since 2010.”

The magazine’s profile notes the clash between Brady and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who passed on the opportunity to put in a bid for the 2012 convention.

CANDIDATES for citywide row offices and court benches were busy this week getting nominating petitions signed. Sheriff Jewell Williams, right, hosted an event for candidates to get signatures, drawing a capacity crowd. With him, from left, are Tom Martin, Vincent Melchiorre and Lisa Deeley, all candidates.

Figures like Nutter and former Gov. Ed Rendell, who will co-chair the host committee, were recognized nationally for their efforts to bring the convention to Philadelphia. But Politico stated, “Brady was the workhorse.” (Brady has called himself “a workhorse; some people are show horses.”)

“I do what has to get done behind the scenes,” Brady told Politico.

Rendell called Brady “the single most-influential Democrat” in the Philadelphia area in the past two decades. He likened Brady to the coach of the team, driving everyone toward a common goal.

“Without Bob Brady bringing us all together and saying, ‘Come on guys, let’s roll,’ we never would have been here,” he said.

Dems Endorse Only 2 For Supreme Court

It was taken for granted early on as State Democratic candidates greeted one another last Friday in Hershey: East is east and west is west, and both ends of the state would be paid their due when the Supreme Court nominations were balloted.

It was obvious six heavyweights had made known they sought to be nominated for one of the record three vacancies for that high court. As expected, Superior Court Judge David Wecht of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Kevin Dougherty won on the first ballots.

The trick for the power brokers was to make sure none of the other four cinched the third slot, to ensure a better turnout of voters.  These included Superior Court Judge Christine Donohue, Allegheny County Common Pleas Court Judge Dwayne Woodruff and Superior Court Judge Anne Lazarus.

39A WARD LEADER Roseanne Pauciello makes it obvious her choice for Mayor is long-time ally and friend Jim Kenney. Photo by Joe Stivala

A rallying cry has gone up among African American Democratic leaders over slighting Judge Woodruff, the only African American seeking a Supreme Court seat on the Democratic ticket. It is reported they will be meeting around the state and here in Philadelphia to unify their efforts insuring Woodruff wins the nomination. Said one Philadelphia leader, “even if it means we have to bullet his name and to heck with the rest.”

Judges Alice Beck Dubow of Philadelphia and Robert Colville of Allegheny County bowed under friendly pressure to withdraw after a first ballot failed to come up with an endorsement for the lone Superior Court vacancy, in deference to Scranton attorney Todd Eagen.

When Republican State Committee meets this weekend, they’ll need to decide which of the following 12 will get the endorsements. Philadelphia’s Paul Panepinto is the local favorite, but the city’s GOP muscle is weak compared to other counties. The others are Superior Court Judges Cheryl Lynn Allen, John Bender, Anne Covey, Sallie Updyke Mundy and Judy Ference Olson, Commonwealth Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer, State Sen. John Rafferty (R-Chester), Montour County DA Rebecca Warren, Adams County Court Judge Michael George, former Labor Secretary Julia Hearthway and, at the top, Justice Correale Stevens, who was appointed by Gov. Tom Corbett.

Deeley Sets Pace In Commissioner’s Race

City Commissioner Stefanie Singer has spent the better part of her first term creating a reputation for herself as an individual bent on remaking the office of the County Commissioner.

Unfortunately, in the process, she has succeeded in running roughshod over staff and the Democratic ward leaders.

Aware some of that could happen, she has attempted to carve a niche for herself as a reformer among Democratic voters and some reform groups. From the way things look now, she may not succeed in getting enough support to ensure she gets a repeat performance.

Her competition is strong. Many Democratic ward leaders have signaled to City Committee she is not to be put on their ballots.

In her place, Lt. Gov. Michael Stack, also a ward leader, along with fellow ward and labor leaders, is pushing for her endorsement.

The Lieutenant Governor will host a major fundraiser for Deeley at the Palm, 200 N. Broad Street, on Wednesday, Mar. 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It’s a big-ticket event!

2ND COUNCIL DIST. campaign petition-signing for Kenyatta Johnson took off at Fish Fry Party Saturday in S.W. Phila. with major turnout of ward leaders and committee people.

To show she merits the support she is getting, Lisa, together with her mother former Sheriff Barbara Deeley, became the first of more than 100 candidates for elective office in the city to turn in her nominating petitions. In just three days, Deeley and a small army of dedicated campaign staffers and volunteers collected more than 1,600 nominating signatures, 600 above the minimum. She said, “I am so grateful to my staff, campaign volunteers, ward leaders, and committee people who braved the bitter cold we’ve experienced of late to collect so many signatures in such a short time,” said Deeley.

Her campaign has earned the endorsements of the Philadelphia Building Trades; City Controller Alan Butkovitz; City Council President Darrell Clarke; Councilmen Bobby Henon, Ed Neilson and Mark Squilla; Sheriff Jewell Williams and many others.

City Chair Commissioner Anthony Clark is expected to be duly endorsed for his second term by the Democratic City Committee.

In the meantime, Dennis Lee, former Deputy Commissioner for Singer, resigned late last year from his position, to actively campaign for City Commissioner. Another well-known candidate, Omar Sabir, is waging an intense campaign with the support of Laborers District Council. 27th Ward Leader Carol Jenkins, the only challenger with experience as a ward leader, has significant support among progressives.

Manny Morales Knows He’s The Underdog

Beating a District Council Member under any circumstances is tough, even though one may have the support of the ward leaders in that district.

Challenger Manny Morales understands that, though he has strong backing from ward leaders in the 7th Councilmanic Dist. in his effort to unseat two-term incumbent 7th Dist. Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez. He admits she is known throughout the district and has cultivated a host of followers from among various activist groups there.

However, Morales is not daunted. A long-time committeeperson and block captain in the 62nd Ward, he knows what it is to organize block parties and cleanups or even host movie nights on his front lawn.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, he is popular among the Latino voters in the district.

IAFF Local 22 Endorses Jim Kenney for Mayor

Councilman Jim Kenney’s late decision to enter the Democratic primary for Mayor has cost him some major labor support. But commitments made are commitments kept by those involved.

However he did pick up an endorsement from Philadelphia firefighters’ union, Local 22 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, which represents more than 4,000 current and retired members of the Philadelphia Fire Dept.

“Jim Kenney has been a steadfast ally of firefighters for over two decades,” said Local 22 President Joe Schulle. “Whether it was fighting for city funding to cover firefighters’ Hep C medical costs, or opposing brownouts or forced firefighter rotation, Jim went to bat for us time and again. For the 23 years in Council, Jim showed his deep concern for all of the neighborhoods in Philadelphia and repeatedly proved himself a responsible leader now ready to lead our City. I look forward to working with Jim as our next Mayor to make Philadelphia a better and safer city.”

UNITY BRINGS smiles at 33rd Ward Petition signing gala to State Rep. Angel Cruz, Manny Morales, Mike Kates, 33rd Ward Leader Donna Aument, Judge Mike Fanning and José Giral. Group is united behind same candidates in Democratic primary. Photo by Harry Leech

“I grew up the son of a firefighter, and I will never forget the relief I felt upon hearing my father walk through the door after a shift, knowing he was safe,” said Kenney. “Our firefighters and their families make tremendous sacrifices, and I have been proud to stand by them for the last two decades in the fight for fair wages, quality equipment and safe working conditions. I look forward to working with President Schulle to make sure that those who put their lives on the line to protect Philadelphians do not have to struggle to get by.”

Judicial Hopefuls Await Ballot Posts

From now until Mar. 10, at least 50 or more attorneys will have entered the judicial derby in both the Democrat and Republican primaries for 12 Common Pleas and three in Municipal Court seats. Six of them are judges, four in Common Pleas and two in Municipal Court, having been appointed earlier to fill vacancies.

It is seen as an opportunity for attorneys aspiring to the bench, especially among older attorneys who see the strong possibility of serving until age 75 on the bench. Adding to the allure is the fact Supreme, Superior and Commonwealth Court seats are also up for grabs, affording all a chance to network.

Despite the fact a number will be endorsed by their respective City Committees, the majority filing nominating petitions will weigh their decision on whether to race to the finish or withdraw after they draw ballot positions.

Sen. Hughes Seen As Ideal Senate Candidate

The US Senate is the best club in the country. Limited to 100 members, its power is immense.  With Pennsylvania now headed by a Democratic Governor, odds increase pressure will be on to reclaim the one Pennsylvania seat still in Republican hands.

Adm. Joseph Sestak made the last valiant effort, but lost due to a long coattail generated by Gov. Tom Corbett.  Republican Congressman Pat Toomey won instead.

STATE REP. Rosita Youngblood drew an impressive crowd to her 13th Ward Candidates Night, including Council Members Bill Greenlee and Cindy Bass; Abbe Fletman, candidate for Common Pleas judge; Omar Sabir, candidate for City Commissioner; and Ed Neilson, Councilman at Large. Photo by Joe Stivala

Now, in a state with Democrats outnumbering Republicans by over 1 million plus, the question is: Can Toomey survive this shortfall in 2016?

State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-W. Phila.) thinks Toomey can be shown the door. He is interested in running, but then again, it depends upon what happens next affecting his state senatorial district. Sestak is serious about a rematch as well. Former Congressman Chris Carney has expressed interest in a senate race, as has Philadelphia DA Seth Williams.

PFT Launches Election Website

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers has launched a website dedicated to news and activities related to the mayoral and city council races.

PFTVotes.org is the PFT’s online information hub where the city’s educators and general public can keep track of the candidates and their positions on public education in Philadelphia. The website will also include information and updates on the local-control referendum that will appear on the ballot in the May primary election.

“Education is the top issue for the 2015 elections,” said PFT President Jerry Jordan. “The PFT is trying to make sure the public has a very clear picture of where the candidates stand on the issues that impact our city’s schoolchildren.”

PFTVotes.org will show visitors each candidate’s thoughts on all of the elements of the PFT education platform, from funding, to local control, to community schools. PFT-endorsed candidates will also be identified on the site.

In addition to candidate information, PFTVotes.org will post Election 2015-related events, such as candidate forums, rallies and debates. Visitors will also be able to sign up for volunteer opportunities like door-to-door canvassing and phone banks.

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