POLS ON THE STREET: Philadelphia’s Crowded Ballot Could Fatigue Voters

BILL PETTIGREW, new Fundraising Chair for Republican City Committee, is seen here putting final touches on a painting of Donald Trump! Bill is promoting a new fundraiser to attract outside-the-box fundraising for Philly Republicans. They will be doing a painting of RNC elephant at party HQ at Cottman & Frankford on Thursday, May 12. All are welcome to keep this painting or give to your favorite GOP loved one. Email Pettigrew at philly23rd@aol.com for more details! Photo by Lauren Gallen

A look at the ballot by voters may send some of them scrambling out of the machine without voting for each office where a choice is needed. That means between presidential candidates and the convention delegates there will be a wide spread in the vote totals, since almost everyone will first push their choice for President.

Here is our rundown to help you navigate throughout the ballot.

For President – and for once Pennsylvania is set up as a pivot in a big way to determine who will lead each party – there are an unusual number of choices.

Three are running for Democratic nomination. In addition to Hillary Clinton, there is Bernie Sanders; as well as a third, from California, you haven’t heard of, Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente, whom we promise not to mention again. Bernie has been burning up local media outlets with releases. One contains a Latino Day of Action held this week at his North Philadelphia field office, 1000 Diamond Street, where volunteers attended a rally this past Monday night.

On the Republican side Ted Cruz is first followed by, at least in Pennsylvania and still on the ballot, Marco Rubio, Jeff Bush, Ben Carson, John Kasich and Donald Trump.

For US Senate nomination are Democrats in order of their ballot position: Joseph Vodvarka, who was retained on ballot thanks to an appeal by 1st State Senatorial candidate John Jack Morley who appealed vs. the same charges, and John Fetterman of Allegheny County, Joe Sestak of Delaware County and Katie McGinley of Chester County. Republican US Sen. Pat Toomey has no primary opposition.

Just three are running for Democratic nomination for Attorney General: John Morganelli, Northampton County; John Shapiro, Montgomery County; and Stephen Zappala, Allegheny County.

Republican candidates for nomination on the Republican ticket for Attorney General are Joe Peters, Wyoming County; and John Rafferty, Montgomery County.

John Rafferty this week picked up the endorsement of Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Mike Turzai of Allegheny County along with House Majority Leader Dave Reed of Indiana County, House Majority Whip Bryan Cutler of Lancaster County and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bill Adolf of Delaware County. ACTION of PA (Americans for Christian Traditions In Our Nation, www.actionofpa.org has endorsed him over Peters.

“John Rafferty is one of the top supporters of law enforcement in our Commonwealth and has spent his career working to protect our citizens,” said Turzai. “As a deputy Attorney General, John prosecuted criminals, and as a State Senator, John has been a champion on criminal justice matters.”

Democrats John Morganelli and Josh Shapiro are not easily giving up Philadelphia votes to Stephan Zappala, who is benefitting from the power surge given him by labor leader John Dougherty, a payback for his political family’s support in Western Pennsylvania for brother Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty.

LABORERS’ District Council and IUPAT DC 21 brass indicated their support for State Rep. Dwight Evans in his hotly contested primary challenge in 2nd Congressional Dist. Seen here at breakfast conference are Local 332’s Sam Staten, Jr., business manager/co-chairman; LDC Business Mgr. Ryan N. Boyer; Joseph Ashdale, business manager of DC 21, International Union of Painters & Allied Trades; IUPAT Business Rep. Leonard Cid; Laborers executives; and Evans Campaign Mgr. Michael Dineen and Evans Finance Dir. Mary Kate Clement.

Both report they have picked up ward leaders and committee and labor support in this city. FOP chief John McNesby confirmed this by stating late last week his union was for Josh Shapiro as did SEIU PA State Council whose president, Neal Bisno, said “We need an Attorney General who will be a champion for working men and women.”

Clean Water Action and PennEnvironment also endorsed Josh Shapiro earlier this week. Both organizations represent hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians in every corner of the state. Two weeks ago, Shapiro released his plan to hold the fracking industry accountable.

For Auditor General, neither Democrat Eugene DePasquale of York County nor Republican John Brown from Northampton County has opposition. For sure they will battle in November. The same with State Treasurer: Dems have Joe Torsella, of Montgomery County going against Republican Otto Voit of Berks County in November.

That ends the list of those being on all voting machines in the city’s over-1861 polling places.

Then follow the Congressional Dists. 1, 2 and 13. Neither incumbent Bob Brady nor Brendan Boyle have opposition in Democratic primary. Brady will face Republican Deborah Williams in November. Boyle has a clear election after first vote is cast for him Apr. 26.

Not so lucky is 2nd Dist. Congressman Chaka Fattah, who faces Brian Anthony Gordon, Dwight Evans and Dan Muroff in the primary. That caucus is split between Chaka and Dwight. Fattah has been seen almost everywhere and especially at endorsement announcements.

One exception was an endorsement breakfast by the LDC for Chaka’s main opponent, State Rep. Dwight Evans (D-N. Phila.). Dwight, saddled with a serious bout of flu, spoke to them from his home. Also at that early-morning meeting at Laborers’ new Broad Street headquarters was Joe Ashdale, business manager of DC 21, who also assured Evans of his union’s support.

Fattah has also racked up the endorsement of the Philadelphia Interfaith Coalition.

To his credit, Muroff’s putting his campaign to end gun violence on the street. He has visited scores of sites where illegal guns were shot, and in some cases, killed people. He noted in North Philly there “were 47 shootings in this neighborhood last year, of which 18 were fatal.”

Commissioner Brian Gordon, taking an example from Joe Sestak’s walking across Pennsylvania for months, has started his walk of the 2nd Congressional Dist., beginning in North Philadelphia along 5th Street and ending in Southwest Philadelphia at 57th & Woodland.

The 1st Senatorial Dist. Sees John Morley challenging incumbent Larry Farnese, with no Republican slated in primary. Morley had been battling a challenge to his petitions up to State Supreme Court. But now the Supreme Court has approved his nominating petitions. He is on the ballot. Morley said, “It was worth the fight since that decision now makes it possible for future candidates to run unencumbered by frivolous law suits against their petitions.”

In the 3rd Senatorial Dist., Sharif Street faces no opposition in primary and general elections. The same is true for State Sen. Vincent Hughes in the 7th.

UNITED Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America General President Douglas J. McCarron invited Mayor Jim Kenney, Congressman Bob Brady and other endorsed candidates under massive tent on huge Carpenters Apprentice Training Center grounds in Far Northeast to rally for Hillary Clinton victory in Penna. election next Tuesday. Seen on stage with McCarron were State Sen. John Sabatina, Jr., Matt Darragh, Katie McGinty, Congressman Bob Brady and Mayor Jim Kenney, being introduced.

Northeast Voters, This Is The Hot One

STATE REP. Mark Cohen’s office staff was kept busy giving out new clothes, and host of food items, to those showing up at his senior fest at McIlvain Rec Center last Saturday. Photo by Bill Myers

However, the 5th Senatorial Dist. finds incumbent John Sabatina, Jr. in a serious challenge from State Rep. Kevin Boyle (D-Northeast). The winner faces Republican Ross Feinberg in the fall.
Boyle has the support of Local 98 – which means money as well as the ward leaders the union controls in the district – and the FOP Lodge – which means plenty of police retirees who live in that contested district. He also picked up the endorsement of the Philadelphia Inquirer, SEIU State Council and long-time friend State Rep. Mike Driscoll (D-Northeast).

Other endorsements for Boyle include IAFF 22, Laborers District Council, Steam Fitters Local 420, Sprinkler Fitters Local 692, Plumbers Union Local 690, Transport Workers Union Local 234, Iron Workers Local 401 and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8. He has also received the endorsement of Philadelphia City Councilman Bobby Henon and City Controller Alan Butkovitz.

WELCOMING guests to her 10th Ward pre-election fundraiser, soon-to-be State Representative herself, Ward Leader Isabella Fitzgerald welcomes another Democratic candidate, State Rep. Tonyelle Cook-Artis, center, and her son Noah Artis.

Mayor Jim Kenney added his endorsement to Boyle earlier in the week. He said, “Kevin Boyle has a proven record of standing up for Philadelphia and fighting for our families. He’s gone after absentee landlords and pushed to expand access to higher education and universal pre-K. Kevin has been a positive force for the people of Northeast Philadelphia and he’s someone I am proud to endorse and count on to help our city in Harrisburg. I urge you to vote for Kevin Boyle in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for State Senate.”

Sabatina has the support of the Sheet Metal Workers, including DC 47, PA AFL-CIO, CWA 13000, Pennsylvania State Troopers, and a host of other unions and strong political personalities led by Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, Sheriff Jewell Williams, and former DA Lynne Abraham.

On the short road to Harrisburg via a single Democratic vote in the primary are incumbents Mike Driscoll, 173rd; Ed Neilson, 174th; Jason Dawkins, 179th; Angel Cruz, 180th; William Keller, 184th; Maria Donatucci, 185th, Jordan Harris, 186th; James Roebuck, 188th; Joanna McClinton, 191st; Rosita Youngblood, 198th; Stephen Kinsey, 201st; and incoming Isabella Fitzgerald, who will replace Dwight Evans in the 203rd.

Battles for legislative seats are in Dists. 170th, 190, 192, 194, 195, 200, 201, and 202 and 164th. In the 164th Legislative Dist., Councilwoman Sekela Coles received the unanimous endorsement of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council in her effort to unseat State Rep. Margo Davidson (D-Delaware).

Democrat Matt Darragh is endorsed, Fran Nelms isn’t in the 170th. Incumbent State Rep. Mike O’Brien (D-Kensington) is endorsed, Sean Sullivan isn’t in the 175th. Endorsed State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas (D-N. Phila.) is challenged by Kenneth Walker, Jr., in the 181st. Incumbent State Rep. Brian Sims (D-S. Phila.) in the 182nd faces serious challenges from Lou Lanni, Ben Waxman and Marni Snyder. He has lost two key ward endorsements, the 5th and 8th, to Waxman. Now it is official: Waxman has the Democratic City Committee endorsement for the 182nd, as well as endorsements from PFT and AFSCME DC 4.

Another hotbed is the 190th where incumbent State Rep. Vanessa Brown (D-W. Phila.) is being challenged by Wanda Logan, Ray Bailey, Movita Johnson-Harrell, Ted Smith and Darryl Thomas. In 192nd, newly elected Lynwood Savage faces competition from Steven Jones, Morgan Cephas, Jess Johnson and Edwin Santana. Facing a primary challenge is State Rep. Pam DeLissio (D-Northwest) in the 194th, who has the Montgomery County Democratic endorsement. Her challenger is Sean Stevens, who has the Philadelphia County Democratic endorsement.

CANDIDATE Marni Snyder at fundraiser at Chevra in Center City confers with supporters Stanley Shingles and Evan Shingles. Photo by Nguyen Ho

State Rep. Donna Bullock (D-N. Phila.) has Jimmie Moore and Jamar “Izzo” Izzard challenging her in the 195th. She is highly favored to easily win. In the 200th, State Rep. Tonyelle Cook-Artis (D-Northwest) faces Chris Rabb and Bobby Curry. In the 202nd Dist., incumbent State Rep. Mark Cohen (D-Northeast) has a serious challenge from Jared Solomon, who was given caucus endorsement.

There are as many as 46 convention delegates on the Democratic side of the machine with three Democrat alternative delegates, and as many as 14 on the Republican convention ballot, with nine alternative delegates.

By the way, we owe the City Commissioners for their website, which makes everything transparent and easy to understand concerning primary and general elections and how one can go about becoming a candidate.

New Clergy Group Endorses Candidates

A new clergy organization has been formed in Philadelphia, called the Greater Philadelphia Clergy Union, at Berachah Baptist Church,6327 Limekiln Pike in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia last Thursday.

Its first president is Bishop R. Daniel Sutton, II, senior pastor at Zoe Bible Fellowship Baptist Church in North Philadelphia who announced the group’s founding.

He stressed his group would concentrate on education, and community empowerment, stating, “This organization has not been created to compete with the fine work of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity, the Philadelphia Council of Clergy, the Baptist Pastors & Ministers Conference of Philadelphia & Vicinity, or any other already-existing clergy organization. A group of us pastors and ministers, from across the state of Pennsylvania, are members of some of the above listed organizations.”

43RD WARD candidates night featured many office-seekers for current and future positions. Ward Leader Emilio Vázquez, 2nd from right, with Pamela Joynes, to his left, greeted Congressman Chaka Fattah and future judicial candidates Carmella Jacquinto, far left, and Zac Schaffer, right. Photo by Joe Stivala

He added, “The GPCU is simply a group that will zero in on the poverty we see in Philadelphia.
Churches we have in Philadelphia, and elsewhere, must step up and do even more than we have in the past, to address the high level of poverty in our city.”

Among the major issues the Greater Philadelphia Clergy Union will address is educating the community about election cycles and, in a nonpartisan way, sponsoring candidate forums and on occasion a political debate in critical campaigns.

Bishop R. Daniel Sutton II is the most recent past president of the Baptist Pastors & Ministers Conference of Philadelphia & Vicinity. He is also the founder and president of Seventy Times Seven Community Resources. Rev. Dr. Robert P. Shine is the chairman of the Political Action Committee of the GPCU.

The group announced its endorsements for the Democratic primary. They are Hillary Clinton for President, Katie McGinty for US Senate, Stephen Zappala for Attorney General, Chaka Fattah for Congress, Sharif Street, Esq., for State Senate, and State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas.

Sen. Daylin Leach Taps Muroff For 2nd

ENJOYING buffet hosted by 35th and 55th Wards at Harmonia Club in Bridesburg were Ward Leader Bill Dolbow, his son Bill, Jr., Ward Leader Janice Sulman, and Angie and her husband Ward Leader Bob Dellavella. Photo by Joe Stivala

State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) has endorsed Dan Muroff for Congress, hoping to bring with him the progressive voters of the 2nd Congressional Dist. Leach, known as a steadfast liberal and champion of reducing gun violence, stated, “I’ve known Dan Muroff and we share the same progressive values. Dan has worked tirelessly for his community, to protect the environment and to reduce gun violence. I am proud to support his campaign for Congress and believe that his experience makes him the best choice. I urge my friends and supporters to vote for Dan Muroff.”

Muroff is an attorney, community and leader of the 9th Ward. As the most recent past president of CeasefirePA, he is uniquely qualified to address the growing problem of gun violence in Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional Dist. Additionally, Dan has served as the president of East Mt. Airy Neighbors, president of Conservation Voters of PA and Secretary of Mt. Airy USA. Dan served as a Chief of Staff and legislative aide on Capitol Hill where he advanced a progressive agenda.

Stack Senators Back 2-Year Budget Cycle

A group of Democratic and Republican State Senators have joined Lt. Gov. Mike Stack to express support for adopting a two-year State budget cycle to replace the current annual process. They hope to do this through the introduction of a constitutional amendment, sponsored by Republican Ryan Aument of Lancaster County, aimed at implementing that change.

Stack said a biennial budget presents certain advantages.

Until March, Pennsylvania went nearly nine months without a complete state budget for the 2015-16 fiscal year, which began on Jul. 1.

“The current 12-month cycle, even when there is no impasse, consumes far too much time and attention by the legislature and others in state government. It crowds out work we should be doing to address other important issues on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania, and it is unnecessary,” Stack said.

Aument has introduced SB 1171 along with Republican Mike Folmer of Lebanon. Democrats Andy Dinniman of Chester and John Yudichak of Luzerne also joined Stack and Aument.

“A two-year budget would instill greater foresight, planning and accountability into the process at the state level while giving local entities that utilize state dollars more time to efficiently and realistically formulate and budget their expenditures”, said State Sen. Lisa Boscola, a Democrat representing Northampton/Lehigh.

Stack, who spent 14 years as a State Senator before assuming his current office, pointed out the Governor’s Budget Office and the Independent Fiscal Office already make multi-year revenue projections for the future.

Sid Booker Hosts Event For Sharif

ORGANIZING for primary and beyond were Phila. Republican activists at Ward Leader Matt Wolfe’s house: 2nd Dist. congressional candidate James Jones, 2nd Dist. RNC delegate candidates Aldridk Gessa and Calvin Tucker, and Wolfe.

A host of this city’s top Democratic powerhouses will be guests at Club LaPointe, 4600 N. Broad Street, where shrimp king Sid Booker will host an evening with Sharif Street, Democratic candidate for the 3rd Senatorial District being left open by retiring state Senator Shirley Kitchen.

For a $25 donation, guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres, plus his famous golden brown fried shrimps. The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Sid has a citywide following. He expects his summer pool-party cookout attendees will turn out to support him tomorrow evening. His reputation as a political analyst of the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania scene was underlined early in the last mayoral primary when he set up huge billboards promoting the candidacy of Mayor Jim Kenney over State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams (D-W. Phila.).

GOP Rally Hosted By Matt Wolfe

It wasn’t a fundraiser, but a discussion of how to get the most support for Republicans in the Apr. 26, that drew an impressive crowd to the home of Matt WoIfe in University City as we went to press Wednesday night. On the agenda were such givens as making sure the GOP operations in the field work smoothly, and what elections are truly contested on the primary ballot.

Did Solomon Falsely Claim Endorsements?

FROM LEFT, energized Young Democrats like Jeffrey Young, Matt Miller, Jeremy Gradwohl and Noelle Marconi, were being sought at Field House happy hour to help Democratic slate to victory in fall. Photo by Nguyen Ho

In a fundraising solicitation email sent out by Jared Solomon on Apr. 7, Solomon claimed he has the endorsements of 2nd Dist. Councilman Mark Squilla and as well as 1st Dist. Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, who is actually a long-time friend and colleague of Solomon’s opponent State Rep. Mark Cohen (D-Northeast).

Cohen reports both Councilmen publicly denied their endorsement of Jared Solomon. He also asks, “Was this claim by Jared Solomon a clear fantasy, or a flat0-out lie? Does Jared believe claiming the endorsement of two South Philly Councilmen will appeal to the voters in the Northeast?”

Judge Retirement Ballot Question Gets Lawsuit

SUPPORTING Sean Stevens’ candidacy for State Rep in the 194th Dist. at fundraiser in Center City were, from left, Damian Sammons, David Krain, Stevens, Tom Wyatt, and world marathon runner Fred Druding, Jr.

Three Democrats in the Senate have asked the courts to keep on the ballot the referendum about whether judges should be able to serve until they turn 75, extending the mandatory judicial retirement age by five years.

The lawsuit, was filed last Thursday by State Sen. Daylin Leach, Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Kensington), who said she is among nearly 22,000 voters statewide who have already cast absentee ballots for primary.

Kudos To Kenney On Mayor’s Tickets

As we went to press, Mayor Jim Kenney did a smart thing … offering his luxury boxes for bidding. They include 18 tickets for Jul. 9 Billy Joel Concert and any Phillies baseball game, which includes 18 tickets and 2 VIP parking passes. The Mayor’s box is behind home plate.

We congratulate him on making use of this valuable resource to add income to the city’s needs.

JOINING Masons and Eastern Star Candidates Night in N. Phila. were candidates Sharif Street and Chaka Fattah. Photo by Wendell Douglas

Brian Gordon Finally Beats Petition Challenge

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Commonwealth Court, ensuring Commissioner Brian Gordon will remain on the ballot for the Democratic Primary for the office of United States Congress in Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional Dist.

This obviously poses a problem for beleaguered 2nd Dist. Congressman Chaka Fattah, since he formerly could count on strong support from the Montco end of his congressional district. Gordon’s assurance he stays on the ballot will no doubt take much of that cushion away from Chaka, making him more vulnerable as he faces additional challenges from State Rep. Dwight Evans and Dan Muroff.

Philadelphia Republican Party Seeking Finance Director

MUMMERS attorney George Badey and Councilman Mark Squilla were among those honoring Congressman Brady on his being honored by Mummers.

Republican Party Chairman Joe DeFelice is throwing out the dragnet to pull in a qualified political finance manager.

He lists what is expected from an applicant:

The finance manager works closely with chairman, executive board and donor relations. They oversee all aspects of the research, drafting and implementation of a citywide fundraising campaign plan. They will sit with clients, and conduct call time daily with candidates. They lead fundraising in identifying and soliciting funds for a significant fundraising campaign. They build broad, effective grassroots campaign including, but not limited to, coalition building. They oversee the development of all campaign fundraising. They will manage a finance committee and coordinate with other committees and will work with comptroller to manage all aspects of campaign finance reporting requirements.

Qualifications/Requirements: The finance director should have at least 2+ years of political organizing/campaign management experience, including experience with a city/statewide campaign in fundraising operations. Must have a proven track record of meeting goals. Must have demonstrated fundraising experience and knowledge of campaign funding sources. Must have demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities and serve as a team leader.

To apply, DeFelice requests candidates send a brief cover letter, along with résumé and salary requirements, to be considered. Email materials to Joseph J. DeFelice, Esq., Chairman of the Philadelphia Republican City Committee, at josephjdefelice@phillygop.com.

It is a full-time job. Candidates need at least one year of campaigns under their belts.

Sen. Haywood Canvassed For Bernie Sanders Sunday

FRATERNAL Order of Police Business Mgr. John McNesby introduces State Rep. Kevin Boyle, who is challenging State Sen. John Sabatina in Democratic primary next Tuesday. McNesby assured Boyle of full support of his union of active and retired police officers in 5th Democratic senatorial primary.

State Sen. Art Haywood (D-Northwest) gathered supporters, volunteers and campaign staffs to canvass West Philadelphia from the Bernie Sanders field Office at 274 S. 60th Street.

Though he has done marvelously well despite coming out as an unknown outsider against Hillary Clinton, why is it we get the feeling he will arrive at the train station to find the train has long gone? Clinton has too much money and political backers who have been there repeatedly for her husband and now here.

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