POLS ON THE STREET: Endorsed Dems Are Pushed At Gala

FORMER LaSalle College basketball alumni turned out to endorse Jim Kenney for Mayor. In group are Bobby Johnson and Lionel Simmons. At left is Councilman Mark Squilla.

MASSIVE labor rally in Love Park stirred up crowd for mayoral hopeful Tony Williams. UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell Young IV announced his powerful union’s endorsement of Williams. He was joined by Gary Masino of Steam Fitters, Ed Coryell of Carpenters and supporters from many other trades.

by Joe Shaheeli
They came from around the state and the city to pack the annual Jefferson-Jackson Day gala at Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall Monday night. Invited by Congressman Bob Brady (D-Phila.), chair of Democratic City Committee, higher-court candidates joined favorite son Supreme Court candidate Kevin Dougherty on the stage to the applause of a record-setting municipal election crowd.

Due to press color limitations, all pics taken by our staff of the event have been held off until next week, so we can bring them all to you in full color. We know some of you clip and save.

Missing were all the mayoral candidates, none of them making it to the gala in time to greet and meet. Congressman Brady announced they were all at a local television-station debate, conveying their apologies.

In the meantime, a look at the two councilmanic districts with primaries finds they’ve heated up. In the 5th, Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez and four Mayors of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter, John Street, Ed Rendell and Bill Green, declared their support of the incumbent at a City Hall rally. They highlighted the Councilwoman as an independent voice on City Council who is pursuing an aggressive agenda to improve the city, attack the causes of poverty and grow our region’s economy.

Her opponent Manny Morales, who had an earlier website of his criticized by her, has launched another one against her leveling serious charges.

In the 2nd, the hotter of the two, racial charges have been hurled at challenger Ori Feibush who has hit back with charges of his own. See his ads in this issue. Councilman Kenyatta Johnson hasn’t made comments on vandalism striking five of Feibush’s properties, though signs left at the damaged properties indicated the vandals were following his criticism of Ori as a developer aiming to change the face of part of the district.

COMMITTEE of 70 hosted City Commission incumbents and challengers at Ladder 15. Main-media political columnists are at far left. Candidates are Lisa Deeley, Tracey Gordon, Carol Jenkins, Will Mega, Omar Sabir and Al Schmidt. Photo by Solomon Williams

It was obvious at the Jefferson-Jackson gala Kenyatta was feeling the heat, refusing to shake hands with some of Ori’s strong supporters. The heat must have been generated by the fact, despite strong efforts by State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.), ward leader of the 8th, to get his ward to endorse Johnson, by a strong majority that ward’s committee people endorsed Feibush. This could be a serious wound. Also lost are the divisions in the 2nd Ward belonging to the District, made obvious last week as 2nd Ward Leader Ed Nesmith called for a change in the 2nd Dist. leadership in a full page ad appearing in this newspaper last week. The Inquirer also endorsed Feibush in a departure from supporting incumbents.

Though endorsed, Kenyatta is discovering pockets of committee people have switched, though their ward leaders have endorsed him.

The other race catching the attention of labor, ward and party leaders is for City Commissioners. Endorsed are Chairman Anthony Clark and Lisa Deeley. Picking up strength has been Omar Sabir, followed by Carol Jenkins in a field of six. Will Mega and Tracey Gordon are close behind.

The mayoral races have erupted into charges being hurled. In the latest televised debate, Jim Kenney, perceived to be in the lead, earned the brunt of charges. He also scored with a walk with Council President Darrell Clark in Clark’s 4th Dist. Yet here again, the race remains too close to call, with turnout being the major factor. Labor is split on this race as well.

Obvious frontrunners remain Jim Kenney and Tony Williams, with more traction being picked up by DA Lynne Abraham, who still leads in name recognition, and some, but not much, from Doug Oliver. Every critic lauds Judge Nelson Díaz, including editorial writers. Yet they acknowledge he is not attracting voter support in large numbers. To prove them wrong, he addressed Latino voters in the WPVI debate Tuesday night and is now on television until the end of the campaign.

MAYOR Michael Nutter speaks as other former Mayors Bill Green, Ed Rendell, John Street and former Councilman Bill Green gathered to endorse Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez.

The one startling comment in the debate that can grow as a vote-maker or -loser between now and May 19 came from Williams, who revealed, if elected, he would get rid of Commissioner Charles Ramsey and appoint a Police Commissioner from within the ranks. That drew retorts from other debaters. But, pause for a moment here; today’s Police Dept. is smaller by hundreds from the day Ramsey took charge. Despite his efforts to “sensitize” the department, it is obvious in the minds and sounds from marchers jamming Philly streets last week, those interviewed by the television reporters repeatedly blamed the police administration for the many recent incidents involving local shootings. To his credit, Ramsey has a way with words.

Kenney’s campaign team has waged the best effort and has given its candidate more visibility than have the others. The morning after the debate, his internet people flooded media sites with at least a half dozen raves supporting Jim’s appearance. None were received from any of the other candidates.

Laborers Broadcasting May 19 At Warmdaddy’s

Juan Ramos, executive director of LECET of the Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia & Vicinity, will broadcast live on WURD Radio 900 AM on Election Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The purpose of the broadcast is to strongly encourage the public to vote, exercising their right to do so. Candidates for public office will be joining the broadcast to inform the listening public of why “We The People” should cast a vote for them.

Doing the hosting are the Laborers’ Employers Cooperation Education Trust (LECET), Laborers’ District Council of Philadelphia & Vicinity, Laborers’ Local 332, Laborers’ Local 57, Laborers’ Local 135 and Laborers’ Local 413. Candidates running for public office are invited.

The listening audience is welcomed to call in at (215) 634-8065.

SHARING stage with political candidates were these women powerhouses who attended Women Connected Political Power Networking Hour. From left, Matthew Perks, Christian DiCicco, Jodi Lobel, Marvetta Coleman, Tracey Gordon, Lyris Younge, Omar Sabir, Will Mega, Deborah Watson Stokes, Stephanie Sawyer, Linda Miller, Daine Grey, Betsy Wahl, Ed Neilson and Tara Smith. Photo by Solomon Williams

LECET brings the Laborers’ International Union of North America and its signatory contractors together to address issues of importance to both. Foremost in its mission is assisting Laborers Locals 57, 135, 332 and 413 and the contractors with whom they work, to secure projects and jobs.

Progressive Millennial Philly Set Go For Oliver

Doug Oliver commented, “I am thrilled to learn that Philly Set Go is officially supporting my candidacy for Mayor. When you run an upstart campaign, you quickly realize that it’s very much like being at a party that no one invited you to attend. Much like Philly Set Go you have to be a bit disruptive, but not disrespectful to show independence to the status quo. We’re looking to make real change for Philadelphia and this is a great part of that effort.”

Gov. Rendell Endorses Sherrie Cohen’s Bid

Former Gov. Ed Rendell, whose endorsement is actively sought by candidates, has announced he is for Sherrie Cohen. Her other endorsers include Congressman Robert A. Brady, State Rep. Brian Sims (D-SD. Phila.) and State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas (D-N. Phila.).

Multicultural Coalition Endorses Kenney

At an event in Love Park the Philadelphia Multicultural Coalition announced its endorsement of Democrat Jim Kenney for Mayor. The Coalition is a diverse group of organizations and individuals from Philadelphia’s Asian, Latino, Muslim and African American communities, led by Andy Toy, Marwan Kreidie, Nina Ahmad, Numa St. Louis and Mathew Tharakan.

“We have come together to elect a Mayor who will serve all Philadelphians,” said Toy at Saturday’s event.

Pete Wirs Competes In Wrestling Tourney

Republican activist Peter Wirs took time off campaign to compete in Age 55-60 to compete in the USA Wrestling Veterans National Championships in Las Vegas, Nev.

Both Democrats and Republicans have supported the fundraising campaign this year for the Pennsylvania Wrestling Club, one of only three Pennsylvania wrestling clubs who compete internationally. Candidates have even joined with Modell’s Sporting Goods Store to distribute a 15%-off discount coupon at all 17 Modell’s Sporting Goods stores in the Delaware Valley. The coupon is available to the public.

Realtor Alan Domb Big On Television Ads

Businessman and city council-at-large candidate Allan Domb, who made a big splash on local television, did receive key endorsements in the race from Philly Set Go and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

REPUBLICAN at-large Council hopeful Matt Wolfe drew several fellow ward leaders to his Sunday soirée in W. Phila. From left, Barbara Coxe, Adam Lang, Wolfe, Andrew Gentsch and Denise Furey.

“I’m proud to have the support of both the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Philly Set Go, two organizations that represent much of the dynamic growth our city is seeing right now. Philadelphia’s business and millennial communities are doing so much to build a better city, and that’s something I look forward to working with them on in City Council,” Domb said.

Guiding his campaign have been Dan Feed and John Sabatina, Esq. Both are topnotch, but their styles do clash.

It’s now a ground game, but Domb seems reluctant to understand this is where he needs to be.

Bills Move To Reduce General Assembly Size

Two bills are moving to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. They are now on the way to the State Senate for consideration.

HB 153 would reduce the size of the House of Representatives from 203 to 153 members, while HB 384 would reduce the size of the Senate from 50 to 37 members. Both bills require a constitutional amendment and must be passed identically in both chambers in two consecutive sessions before going to a public referendum. HB 153 passed 139-56. HB 384 passed 146-49.

The reduction would also require redrawing House and Senate district boundaries, but in the bill’s form would do so without reforming the highly politicized process of redistricting.

Sabatina Goes On Television

State Rep. John Sabatina, Jr. (D-Northeast) has gone on television to outline his goals in the May 19 primary to vote in the special election to fill the vacant 5th Senatorial Dist. seat vacated by Lt. Gov. Mike Stack. His opponent is Republican Tim Dailey.

Sabatina, a lifelong Rhawnhurst resident, is the State Representative for Northeast Philadelphia’s 174th Dist. In Harrisburg, Sabatina is the Democratic chair of the House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee and a member of the House Democratic Policy Committee.

STATE REP. John Sabatina, Jr. drew fans to his event at Pyramid Club to boost his race for State Senator. Among them were, from left, Jeff Jones, Sabatina, Steve Pollock and Steve Crawford.

A Northeast Philadelphia native, Dailey grew up in Bustleton and has lived in Rhawnhurst for the last 20 years. A graduate of Archbishop Ryan HS and Holy Family University (BA in English, 1994), Dailey has built his career in Catholic high schools, including Monsignor Bonner, West Catholic and, for the last 20 years, Father Judge, where he has taught English, history and psychology.

Another Northeast native, former State Sen. Mike Stack, has ranged far afield. Now Lieutenant Governor, he ran in a Marathon Sunday in Pittsburgh to focus attention on need to raise film tax credits to help local independent filmmakers.

PA State Troopers Ass’n Endorses GOP Supremes

The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, which represents more than 8,000 active and retired state troopers, has endorsed Judges Mike George and Judy Olson, Republican candidates in the race for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

They are also supporting Emil Giordano in his campaign for a seat on the Superior Court.

“Earning the trust of the Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Association for the primary election is a great honor,” Judge George responded.

“As a Judge with experience in both Common Pleas and Superior Court, I have seen firsthand in case after case the importance of our state troopers,” Judge Olson stated. “I have such admiration for our state troopers and the work they do to keep our neighborhoods and communities safe. State troopers are the first line of defense against crime. They deserve our praise and I am honored to have their support.”

Sestak Walk Slowed His Fundraising Goal

Joe Sestak chose to spend March walking the state by foot and it showed in his financial reports. The 2010 Democratic nominee raised just $312,000 in the first fundraising quarter. This gives the former Congressman about $1.7 million cash on hand.

That’s a problem when you’re running against an incumbent Senator who just pulled in $2.1 million and has $7.3 million cash on hand.

Additionally, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski jumped into the Democratic primary while national party leaders are trying to convince Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro to get into the race.

The ex-Admiral has always insisted that he wasn’t concerned with traditional campaign metrics like the support of party insiders and fundraising. So this news likely won’t upset him, though it could encourage his current and potential opponents.

Dougherty, Lazarus Earn Endorsements

Northampton County DA John Morganelli has announced his endorsement of Philadelphia’s Kevin Dougherty for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in the upcoming May primaries.

Morganelli is the past president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and the most senior DA in the Commonwealth. Former Gov. Ed Rendell is fully square behind Superior Court’s Anne Lazarus in her Supreme Court bid.

Quinnipiac Poll Finds Walker at 1, Bush At 7th

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is the top dog with a big early lead in the Iowa Republican Caucus, with a four-way scramble for second place and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in seventh place with 5%, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released poll yesterday.

Walker is at 21% of likely GOP caucus participants, compared to 25% in a Feb. 25 poll by the independent Quinnipiac University.

In the scramble for second place are US Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marco Rubio of Florida with 13% each, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas with 12% and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee with 11%. Physician Ben Carson has 7%, with 5% for Bush. No other candidate is above 3% and 6% are undecided.

Bush tops the list at 25%, followed by New Jersey Gov. Christopher Christie with 20%, when likely Republican Caucus participants are asked if there is any candidate they would not support.

Temple GOP Wards For James Williams

James Williams, Republican candidate for City Council at Large, has received the endorsements from the Temple University Republican 20th and 32nd Wards.

As part of his campaign, James has been focusing on education reform, revitalizing the North Philadelphia manufacturing sector, and increasing the police presence in some of Philadelphia’s worst neighborhoods.

As part of his campaign, James has been focusing on education reform, revitalizing the North Philadelphia manufacturing sector, and increasing the police presence in some of Philadelphia’s worst neighborhoods.

“Our police force has been reduced by over 500 officers in the last decade. I don’t see how a reduction in the size of our police force is an effective way to fight crime. We know the neighborhoods where the majority of our violent crimes take place; therefore, we just need to double down on funding enforcement in these neighborhoods,” said Williams.

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