POLS ON THE STREET: Caucus Vote Favors Fattah, LDC Endorses Evans

by Joe Shaheeli

WISHING State Rep. Dwight Evans and Congressman Chaka Fattah well is Phila. Democratic City Committee’s Charlie Bernard.

Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-Phila.) is confident of two things: Beating back challengers to his 2nd Congressional Dist. seat; and winning acquittal from charges lodged by the US Attorney’s district office against him.

Last Friday, he felt confident about holding on to his congressional seat when the caucus of ward leaders in his district voted in his favor 16-11-1. His strongest challenger, State Rep. Dwight Evans (D-N. Phila. ) picked up the 11 and the third of four challengers, 9th Ward Leader Dan Muroff, voted for his own candidacy.

Not getting a vote was Montgomery County Lower Merion Township Commissioner Brian Gordon, who met many of the ward leaders for the first time. He knew not to expect any commitments, but welcomed the opportunity to introduce himself.

All four have indicated they are in the race to stay. Look for no withdrawals.

Normally, one can call this an endorsement for Chaka, but the participating ward leaders who voted for Evans indicated, for the most part, they would not honor the majority rule.

Insiders, counting the ward voter turnout, believe Evans may have the edge anyway. He’s topped the other three in campaign funds and the 11 wards voting for him have a history of bringing out primary voters surpassing the other 17 wards.

Comfortable of winning the vote in his suburban neck of the district is Gordon, who said his long history as an attorney working in Philadelphia will help him get votes.

Fattah has the endorsement of Congressman Bob Brady, Democratic Party chairman, as well as the Service Employees International Union, the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees District 1199C and the Black Ward Leaders Association; all of which speak to Fattah’s legacy of leadership in Congress over the past 21 years.

Fattah is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and has set spending priorities for more than $1 trillion in annual discretionary funds. He is also the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science a& Related Agencies and a member of the Energy & Water Development Subcommittee, and co-chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus, a bipartisan group of 57 Members representing America’s metropolitan centers.

As for the criminal charges against him, the Congressman firmly believes the federal charges are based on erroneous information they possess. He is anxious to take on the government when the trial begins.

Powerful Laborers Union Endorses Evans In 2nd

The Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia & Vicinity, working on behalf of its more than 6.000 members, has endorsed State Rep. Dwight Evans’ candidacy. In past elections, Congressman Chaka Fattah had been their choice.

HEAVILY saddled with legislative chores in Harrisburg, State Rep. John Taylor, left, has resigned from his role as Republican City Committee Chairman. Elected to succeed him by the GOP’s ward leaders was Exec. Dir. Joseph DeFelice, center. Congratulating both on jobs well done is Republican Counsel Michael Meehan.

“The LDC is proud to endorse Rep. Evans’ run for Congress,” said Ryan N. Boyer, business manager of the LDC. “Evans’ strong history of job creation and innovative legislation makes him the man for the job!”

“Dwight Evans’ goal, just like that of the laborers, is to build a stronger Philadelphia,” said Samuel Staten, Jr., business manager of Laborers’ Local 332. “For over 30 years, Dwight has been a pillar of strength in the Philadelphia African American community!”

“As our Congressman in Washington, DC, Dwight Evans will undoubtedly serve Philadelphia well,” said Walt Higgins, business manager of Laborers’ Local 57.

“I’m extremely grateful to Ryan Boyer, the executive board and the thousands of members of the Laborers District Council for this endorsement of my campaign for the 2nd Congressional Dist.,” said Evans. “The men and women of the Laborers have built this city and region from the ground up. They continue to fight for safe working conditions, jobs that can support families and the rebuilding of our neighborhoods block-by-block and I am humbled to have their support.”

LDC, which includes Laborers’ Local Unions 57, 135, 332 and 413, works on behalf of more than 5,000 members to help to secure projects, promote the hiring of union workers, and meet the quality-of-life and quality-of-work needs of employees and employers in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.

In addition to benefiting from a well-trained and effective workforce, signatory contractors have access to multiple resources including research studies, market analyses and bid information. As affiliate members of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, we belong to a network of workers whose participation has been substantial in helping to build some of the most significant structures throughout America.

Locally, from hospitals and educational institutions to malls, housing developments and convention centers to highways and roads, the work of laborers has been instrumental in completing projects throughout the region.
Dan Muroff, who is also challenging Fattah, drew first for ballot position, followed by Fattah, Evans and Brian Gordon.

Lt. Gov. Mike Stack Endorses Sabatina

Lt. Gov. Mike Stack’s endorsement of State Sen. John Sabatina (D-Northeast) for his reelection to the Pennsylvania State Senate is another block to the efforts of State Rep. Kevin Boyle (D-Northeast) and brother Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-Phila.) to bring the 5th Senatorial Dist. under the Boyles’ control.

Stack, who had been the ward leader of the 58th and had held the 5th Senatorial Dist. prior to serving as Lt. Governor, said “I’m proud to endorse Senator John Sabatina for the Pennsylvania 5th Senatorial District. He has a proven record as an advocate for Northeast Philadelphia and will continue to fight for his community in Harrisburg. Of the two candidates he best knows the issues that affect his district. I look forward to continuing to work with him.”

GREEN PARTY of Phila. settled on its leadership and candidates for 2016 at meeting at Ethical Society. From left, front, are Julian Robinson, Eric Hamell, Belinda Davis, Hillary Kane, new Chair Galen Tyler and outgoing Chair Glenn Davis; rear, Chris Robinson and Charles Sharrouse. Photo by Wendell Douglas

Sabatina thanked Stack for his endorsement, saying, “No one knows this district better than Mike Stack. I am honored that a leader who represented this District for 13 years with such deep personal connections to our neighborhoods, schools and centers of commerce proudly lends his good name to my candidacy with his endorsement today.”

Sabatina previously served for nine years in the Pennsylvania State House representing Dist. 174. The 5th Senatorial District, includes all or part of the 41st, 45th, 54th, 56th, 57th, 58th, 64th, 65th, and 66th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

Surprisingly, Kevin Boyle got a free primary ride for his 172nd Legislative seat, freeing him to concentrate on one front: the senatorial challenge to Sabatina.

Kevin Boyle announced his campaign has received the endorsement of 6th Dist. Councilman Majority Leader and 65th Ward Leader Bobby Henon as well as Philadelphia Controller and 54th Ward Leader Alan Butkovitz.

“I am proud to have the support of Councilman Bobby Henon and Controller Alan Butkovitz, who are both dedicated public servants and are doing great work in Northeast Philadelphia and across our city,” said Boyle. “From our time working together in City Hall and Harrisburg, I have tremendous respect for their commitment to the communities we all represent and look forward to working together as Northeast Philadelphia’s next State Senator.”

The Boyle campaign exudes confidence. Congressman Brendan said he’ll be spending all of his “spare time devoted to my brother’s campaign,” since he also has no opponent.

The Congressman added, “Our polling shows us well in the lead early on. Few realize how often my brother and I have been campaigning, working much of this district, throughout much of the senatorial district every two years.”

GOP Changes Leadership

STATE REP. Jim Roebuck chats with PFT President Jerry Jordan and John Meyerson of UFCW Local 1776 who attended his birthday celebration at Warmdaddy’s. Roebuck congratulated Jordan on his reelection as president. Photo by Bonnie Squires

The Republican City Committee has made a change at the top in its leadership due to the resignation of Party Chair State Rep. John Taylor (D-Northeast). With much of his time taken up by leadership responsibilities in Harrisburg, Taylor indicated he would have to resign from his city role.

Making it official last Thursday night was Taylor, who indicated his continued work load made it extremely difficult to take care of the responsibilities involved in leading the Republican Party “now energized and growing” as seen by the number of new and veteran ward leaders in attendance.

His announcement was greeted by the ward leaders with appreciative applause.

Elected unanimously to replace him was Exec. Dir. Attorney Joseph DeFelice, who will continue to handle both roles. He indicated under his leadership the Republican City Committee will continue to reach out to traditional Democrats “who we increasingly find are disenchanted with the performance of their party’s elected City and State leadership.”

Chair remains 5th Ward Leader Mike Cibik.

Lanni Finds Own Ballot Pick Pays Off

Picking your own proved lucky for Lou Lanni, who was the only one of four contenders for the 182nd to bother showing up for the lottery to select ballot position. He’ll be number one on the ballot for that seat, under Ben Waxman, followed by Ben Waxman, Marnie Snyder and incumbent State Rep. Brian Sims (D-S. Phila.). Sims’ petitions are being challenged by Lanni and Waxman.

Pa. Treasurer Primary Contest Now Moot!!

LAUNCHING his campaign as Republican standard-bearer in 172nd Legislative Dist. from his home in N.E. Phila. is Jim Pio, flanked here by former Congressman Jon Fox, State Rep. Martin White, Councilman Al Taubenberger and Pio’s wife Khara. Photo by Bill Myers

What early on seemed to be a brewing primary for Pennsylvania Treasurer in the Democratic primary has ended with the announcement Albert Baker Knoll has withdrawn from the race. Now standing alone is former State Board of Education chairman Joe Torsella.

The November contest will be between Torsella and Republican Otto Voit, the only GOP Treasurer candidate.

Neilson Closing Castor Avenue Office

State Rep. Ed Neilson (D-Northeast), is reminding constituents that although his 8100 Castor Avenue constituent-service office has closed, his Old Ashton Road office remains open and ready to assist them.

“It is my goal to ensure that each and every resident of the 174th Legislative Dist. has easy access to the services my office can provide,” Neilson said. “While it is unfortunate that this office had to close, I am currently looking at other options that would enable my staff and me to offer the same opportunities to the district in a more convenient location.”

Neilson said his main constituent service office, located at 16 Old Ashton Road, will remain open and can be reached at (215) 330-3714.

Neilson added, “I hope constituents think of our office as a one-stop shop if they need help with car registrations, signing up for the PACE or PACENET prescription drug programs, obtaining birth or death certificates, or other services.”

Rafferty Touts 14,000 Signatures On Petitions

Endorsed Republican Attorney General candidate John Rafferty reports his campaign team had collected 14,000 petition signatures, far more than any other statewide hopeful.

State Sen. Rafferty (R-Montgomery) has received the endorsements of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association and the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation Association.

The AG Democratic primary should prove interesting. Three heavyweights are in this arena: Stephen Zappala, Joshua Shapiro and John Morganelli, appearing on the ballot in that order.

RALLYING around Lynwood Savage for State Rep at Asmara Conxion Lounge in Overbrook were, from left, Leon Sullivan, Ward Leader Congressman Bob Brady, Melvin Shelton and Savage. Photo by Wendell Douglas

Making hay among friends is Shapiro, who picked endorsements last Friday from Philadelphia’s elected officialdom. Among them were Sheriff Jewell Williams; State Sens. Vincent Hughes (D-W. Phila.) and Art Haywood (D-Northwest); State Reps. Donna Bullock and Stephen Kinsey (both D-N. Phila.); and Council Members Blondell Reynolds Brown, Bill Greenlee, Helen Gym, Derek Green, Kenyatta Johnson, Curtis Jones, Maria Quiñones Sánchez, Cherelle Parker and Marian Tasco.

Council President Darrell Clarke endorsed Shapiro last month. So did Gov. Tom Wolf last week, all adding to the endorsements from former Gov. Ed Rendell and the Mayors of York, Lancaster and Harrisburg. Shapiro is chairman of Montco Commissioners.

Zappala announced four prominent elected officials from Northeastern Pennsylvania have endorsed his candidacy. They are State Sen. John T. Yudichak (D-Luzerne) and State Reps. Marty Flynn, Sid Kavulich and Frank Farina (all D-Lackawanna).

This weekend, Democratic State Committee meeting to endorse state wide offices will probably not endorse anyone of the three, since it is unlikely any one of them can muster a 2/3 vote needed. This will be an interesting open primary.

FOP Endorses Solomon In 202nd Dist. Primary

The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed Jared Solomon for State Representative in his challenge of long-term incumbent Mark Cohen.

FOP Lodge 5 President John McNesby said, “Jared Solomon has earned the endorsement of FOP Lodge 5 because of his commitment to safety in his community. He works in his neighborhood through his community group to make his neighborhood safer. Jared is tough on crime and supports local law enforcement. Jared will be a strong voice for us in Harrisburg and that is why he has our full support.”

Solomon also has the endorsement of the Plumbers Union Local 690, Philadelphia Firefighters’ & Paramedics’ Union Local 22, City Controller Alan Butkovitz and the 54th Democratic Ward.

He expects to weather a petition challenge from the incumbent.

Political Magazine Honors Philadelphia 3.0

Philadelphia 3.0 is proud to announce Bronstein & Weaver, Inc. has won Campaigns & Elections Magazine’s Stanley F. Reed Award for work done on behalf of the organization. The Reed Award is the political-consulting industry’s highest industry honor given for the country’s best campaign work.

The direct mail and newspaper advertisements created by Bronstein & Weaver, Inc. for Philadelphia 3.0’s “Case for Term Limits” and “#ChangetheCharter” campaign won the Reed Award for “The Most Daring and Successful Tactic.”

“Philadelphia 3.0’s call for Term Limits and use of #ChangetheCharter was the centerpiece of our campaign and rallied voters to change the composition of City Council in historic fashion,” said Alison Perelman, executive director of Philadelphia 3.0. “The choice to focus on Term Limits was bold but vindicated by both the election results and now by the recognition we have received for our groundbreaking campaign.”

The magazine credited Philadelphia 3.0 campaign with bringing in three independent Council-at-Large candidates.

GOP Remembers Frederick Douglass

The Philadelphia Frederick Douglass Inclusion Council held its Black History Month Reception last Thursday here. Its main purpose is to reach out to the Black voters in this city.

The reception included speeches Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford, American Petroleum Institute VP Lisa Salley, African American Civil War orator Hari Jones, and Pennsylvania GOP African-American Inclusion Dir. Ryan Sanders.

“Republicans are showing a bright path forward for impoverished communities, “I’m excited to take part in such an important event in Pennsylvania,” Salley said. “The Frederick Douglass Inclusion Council is a great tool to recruit and include African-American voters in new and exciting ways. The Council provides a unique means of discussing ideas to develop the workforce in communities and prepare them to compete for good paying jobs and upward mobility.”

“The Republican National Committee and the Republican Party especially those in our inner cities,” Rutherford said. “Republicans are showing that, through investment and engagement, our underdeveloped areas can grow and create opportunities for everyone. The Frederick Douglass Inclusion Council in Pennsylvania is another building block towards our goal of engaging our African-American communities and creating economic prosperity.”

Sanders said, “The Fredrick Douglass Inclusion Council is an important step in our efforts to share the Republican message of growth and opportunity to these communities.”

Harry Lewis, Jr. is honorary chairman.

F&M Poll: McGinty Losing Support

Katie McGinty finished behind Joe Sestak and John Fetterman in a Keystone Progress Summit straw poll, while a poll from Franklin & Marshall shows “Joe Sestak slightly widened his lead among Democrats.”

Last month Sestak led McGinty by 4 points, but now he leads by 9. McGinty also recently overwhelmingly lost the endorsement of her home county to Sestak.

Though she has substantial backing from party leaders and labor unions, her campaign fundraising has not been what was expected.

The F&M Poll shows Sestak at 21%, McGinty at 12% and Braddock Mayor John Fetterman at 8%.

Will Florida Mean Ides Of March End For Rubio?

Donald Trump is the GOP frontrunner as of today, with a big lead in Florida over native son Sen. Marco Rubio, 44-28%, among likely Republican primary voters, according to a Quinnipiac University poll. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has 12% with Ohio Gov. John Kasich at 7% and Dr. Ben Carson at 4%.

Men back Trump over Rubio 49-25%, while women go to Trump 39-31%, the independent poll finds.

Florida is the single biggest prize of the primary season because it is the largest state to allocate its delegates on a winner-take-all basis.

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