Special Election 170th Legislative District: Dem. Sarah DelRicci Vs. Rep. Martina White

by Joe Shaheeli
There is no question the Special Election to fill a vacancy in the 170th Legislative Dist. has earned the title “special” in many ways.
It’s special when one realizes both contenders, Democrat Sarah DelRicci and Republican Martina White, are two young women facing each other, which should make some female voters in the district happy since this is the first time in local political history such a race has occurred in the Northeast section of this city. Both are known activists in this district.

LABOR leader Joseph Ashdale, who helped garner more labor support for Martina White, congratulates her at endorsement event.

It’s special in that major labor unions, normally ignoring a one-seat contest, have jumped into this fray on both sides, putting their election-day muscle to use.
Unlike other special elections where the outcome would normally be predictable and turnout is low, this “special” election is the first where the city’s Republican Party truly believes it has a chance to take back a Northeast Philly seat it had controlled for years until wrested from then former State Rep. and now Congressman Brendan Boyle.
The GOP believes it has enough strength among Republicans and discontented Democrats to win this one. Republican leadership, now comfortably dominating the House and Senate in Harrisburg, agreed and, rather than let voters select a replacement in this coming primary May 19, called for the special election to be held next Tuesday, Mar. 24.
GOP party chairman State Rep. John Taylor (R-Northeast) said, “In a primary turnout, our chances would have been slim. In this election, where only voters in the 66th and 58th are concerned, we know we have an even playing field and our chances to take back this seat become doable.”
Then, there is a good reason why the 13 labor unions have endorsed Martina White, states Joseph Ashdale, business manager/secretary-treasurer of DC 21 of International Union of Painters & Allied Trades.
He explains, “These labor leaders all share this thought: ‘Why not use this election to send a labor-friendly Republican legislator to the State House? Another Democrat win means State Rep. John Taylor will continue to be the only Republican legislator from Philadelphia in a General Assembly strongly dominated and controlled by the Republican Party of Pennsylvania. A win for Martina White gives labor an additional voice among Republicans.”
Republicans hold a commanding 119-83 advantage in the House. Democrats might not be able to get close to the majority until 2022 redistricting.
The unions backing White are FOP Lodge 5; International Association of Fire Fighters Local 22; International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 21; AFSCME DC 33; Teamsters Local 500; Gas Workers Local 686; Drywall Fitters Local 1955; International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8; Glaziers Local 252; Sprinkler Fitters Local 692; Steamfitters Local 420; Painters 2011; and Plasterers Local 8.

TEAMSTERS Local 830 leader Dan Grace added more labor support for Sarah DelRicci as he shares moment here with State Rep. Mike Driscoll.

Democratic nominee Sarah DelRicci, as expected, has the support of big unions, including Pennsylvania AFL-CIO.
“The hardworking people of the 170th Legislative Dist. know Sarah DelRicci has their back when it comes to fully funding our public schools and getting property taxes under control,” said Danny Grace of Teamsters Local 830.
“Sarah DelRicci will be the voice that hardworking people desperately need in Harrisburg to help put Gov. Wolf’s plan in place to fully fund public education, make corporations pay their fair share, and get property taxes under control,” said Gary Masino of Sheet Metal Workers Local 19.
Masino kicked off labor support for DelRicci at a breakfast rally at his headquarters attended by other labor leaders, including representatives from the Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters. Also in attendance was Democratic City Chairman Congressman Bob Brady.
Unions backing DelRicci include Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, Teamsters Local 107, Teamsters Local 830, Teamsters Local 77, Teamsters Joint Council 53, Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters, Roofers Local 30, Operating Engineers Local 542, AFSCME District Council 13, Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1, Pennsylvania Association of Nurses & Allied Professionals, Insulators Local 14, United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 1776 and United Auto Workers.
Though the field has been evened out somewhat, the Democrats still hold almost a two-to-one registration lead over Republicans. But as the saying goes, in special elections, with normally low participation by voters, more Republicans turn out than Democrats. Will they be enough, however, to top even a lethargic Democratic voter turnout? That question will be answered next Tuesday, Mar. 24.

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