POLS ON THE STREET: GOP Convention Watch Is Almost Over

by Joe Shaheeli

BOTH chambers of Congress have passed the US Semiquincentennial Commission Act, establishing the official governmental body to plan for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
USA250 promoted the establishment of the new commission, and we congratulate the lead sponsors of HR4875 in the House and Senate, including US Sens. Bob Casey, Pat Toomey, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Ron Wyden; and Congressmen Patrick Meehan, Robert Brady, Brendan Boyle, and Ryan Costello.

Those watching television and not tuned into convention coverage cannot consider themselves civic-spirited citizenry. Those glued to anything else will learn they’ve missed political machinations at its best.

Those wondering why we plan to stay glued to the television coverage have on their side the fact political conventions have not, since 1952, had contested roll calls before nominating a presidential candidate.

Adlai Stevenson was that victor at the fractured Democratic convention. Since then, gone is real drama from succeeding conventions. Veteran watchers have gotten used to biographical film shorts and guest appearances by sports, film, and stars emotionally mounting scripted coronation speeches for the nominee.

Yet although more-politically minded Philadelphians will watch the Democratic National Convention which is here in our town, the Republican National Convention, which has drawn a sizable audience in this town, promises to be anything but predictable.

Ted Cruz forces proved that during the first day by attempting to disrupt orderly proceedings to get a roll-call vote to change rules. Their day in the sun got eclipsed. Four state delegations walked out – but came back in bit by bit.

Who can guess what comes out of Donald Trump’s mouth as he accepts his party’s nomination? Supporters hope it makes him a contender.

Will he go into more depth on his policy positions? Republican leaders hope so. But that would disappoint Trump’s most-enthusiastic supporters.

Looking closely at floor coverage, Republican locals were seen on several occasions since the Pennsylvanian delegation had the second-best location for cameras to capture. The first, of course, was Trump’s New York state. The Keystone State’s 71 delegates will be in the front row just to the right of the stage.

It appears that rather than giving priority to the host of the convention, Trump awarded prime seats to states that backed him during the primaries. For instance, the GOP nominee won Pennsylvania with 57% of the vote. So they’ll be sitting in front of the Ohio delegation since the Buckeye State went for their Gov. John Kasich. That Governor did not attend the convention, but did attend events supporting the convention.

In Philadelphia, we will be treated to an array of protests, legitimate or otherwise, which could cut into much of the actual Democratic National Convention coverage, especially during the routine agenda.

LADIES supporting Commissioner Lisa Deeley at her fundraiser at Keenan’s in N. Wildwood were Kris Rullo, Kimberly Garzone, Maureen Clark, Carol Garzone, Marie Smith, Terry and Jillian Bucher.

For example, a Resistance March will kick off from Broad & Snyder at 2 p.m. on opening day, gathering at City Hall and leaving there for the Wells Fargo Center at 4 p.m.

That will probably create some excitement, but it will fail to, as its goal proclaims, “Shut Down The DNC!”

Delegates will get a good bit of television coverage as they attend many local activities and parties where they will be treated as honored guests. They will discover we are a hospitable and friendly town despite the protests.

Leading the hospitality chores is this City’s Democratic Party Chairman Congressman Bob Brady, who has invited delegates to a number of events throughout the city, including an opening-night event this Sunday.

He will be joining Gary Masino, business manager of Sheet Metal Workers Union 19, to host a closing Thursday-night party for delegates at Sheet Metal Workers Hall, 1301 S. Columbus Boulevard, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, open bar, entertainment with a live band and more.

Local Republicans have used the RNC television coverage to host “watch parties,” kicking off Tuesday night with one in University City, then last night in Old City hosted by Republican Women, and tonight from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at Republican City Committee Headquarters, 3525 Cottman Avenue. It’s free, food and drinks included.

They’ll continue with fundraising events watching the Democratic National Convention starting with a “Welcome to Philly Hillary” party at the United Republican Club, 3156 Frankford Avenue, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Admission: Under 30, $15, over 30, $30. It includes wine and beer, catered food as well bread and water will be served, free handcuffs, mugshot picture taken upon entry!

Court Ruling a Boon to City’s Energy Hub?

Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court on Thursday upheld the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s decision that Sunoco Pipeline LP is a public-utility corporation and the company’s Mariner East 2 project provides a public service to Pennsylvanians.

READY, WILLING & ABLE volunteers helped Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell mount her vast party for homeless Philadelphians which filled most of City Hall’s Center Square. The Councilwoman traditionally marks her birthday by throwing this affair for those in need. Arrayed here around her are, from left, Shawn Lany, Allen Simmons, Blackwell, Rahoolah Barret and Blair Thomas. Photo by Wendell Douglas

This increases Philadelphia’s position as an energy center, creating more opportunities and jobs.

Commonwealth Court also affirmed the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas decision to reject the legal challenge made against Sunoco’s use of eminent domain to expand its Mariner East pipeline.

Mariner East 2 (also known as the Pennsylvania Pipeline Project), is a planned, new underground pipeline system of approximately 350 miles, that spans Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. Locally, the length of the project is approximately 23.6 miles in Chester County and 11.4 miles in Delaware County. Primarily, this project will follow the Mariner East 1 route to Marcus Hook, Pa. Mariner East 2 will utilize both the Utica and Marcellus Shale regions. Mariner East 2 has a projected startup date for early 2017.

McGinty Makes Pitch for Veterans’ Support

Democratic Senate candidate Katie McGinty spoke at the Pennsylvania Department of the American Legion’s 98th Annual Department Convention. The daughter of a police officer who walked the beat in Northeast Philadelphia for 20 years and the sister of a US Marine Corps veteran, McGinty laid out her proposals to keep Americans safe and to ensure that veterans get the care they need. Her reception was warm.

Butkovitz Warns PICA Soda Tax Could Fizzle

City Controller Alan Butkovitz recommended the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority accept the City’s FY2017-2021 Budget Plan … with a warning.

The Controller indicated PICA must be mindful of any litigation that could occur from critics of the Sugary Drink Tax, who have reportedly vowed court challenges against the tax. “While no litigation has been initiated, the outcome of such litigation could significantly affect the forecasted revenues and obligation amounts over the life of the plan,” said Butkovitz.

Polls Show President Dropping in Polls

President Barack Obama has been falling in favorability according to the newest Quinnipiac Poll, which showed Democratic candidates struggling. The President went from a 51% to 47% split last month, to a 45% to 53% split this month.

Quinnipiac’s numbers are either an outlier or the first sign that the Dems are undergoing some major problems.

The following demographics gave Pres. Obama a positive score: Democrats (83/17), non-whites (73/27) and 18- to 34-year-olds (62/36).

This survey was conducted by Quinnipiac University using live interviewers calling land lines and cell phones from June 30 to July 11. They contacted 982 registered voters in Pennsylvania.

Obama Travels Far on Expense Account

Judicial Watch, a legal nonprofit, reports Obama’s travels have cost taxpayers over $79.5 million. It obtained records from the US Dept. of Homeland Security revealing the Obama family’s August 2015 vacation on Martha’s Vineyard cost taxpayers $465,420.49 in Secret Service expenses alone. This included $457,310.33 in hotels, $271.56 in car rentals, and $7,838.60 in air/rail travel.

The current grand total of known Obama travel-related expenses now stands at $79,630,433.93.

ADA Marks Civil Rights with Congressman Lewis

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Americans for Democratic Action are marking the commemoration of the 1948 Civil Rights Plank with John Lewis.

They are doing sol with an event July 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the African American Museum, 701 Arch Street.

Glenavie Norton, Chair of Americans for Democratic Action, says members are raising funds to cover ticket costs.

CONGRESSIONAL candidate Mike Parrish got a big boost from high-powered Democrats like Ed Rendell for his shot at the suburban 6th Dist., at a Union League fundraiser. Here, he shared notes with Ward Leader Dan Muroff, who himself is fresh off a congressional primary race in the 2nd Dist.

GOP Auditor Hopeful Believes Unity Key to Trump Win in Pa.

Republican Auditor General candidate John Brown this week said, “As I have traveled across Pennsylvania as candidate for Auditor General, it has become clear the pathway to victory this fall is Unity. Now, more than ever, it is essential that all Republicans and reformers come together in a unified spirit to support our nominee, Donald Trump, and all our Republican candidates. As our delegates from Pennsylvania head to Cleveland for the RNC Convention next week, I wish them well in their efforts. I thank them for their deep commitment to the Republican Party, our Commonwealth and our country.”

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