WHAT’S IN A NAME? Thomas Vs. Thomas Will Be A Classic
BY JOE SHAHEELI/
The fact a candidate’s last name is longer than the first name on voting machine ballots could cause a problem for voters – especially when both candidates have the same last name.
State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, 10-term holder of the 181st House Dist. seat, faces that unique complication as he begins to campaigning for an 11th term.
His only announced opponent, Lewis Thomas, III, made it plain before a crowd of supporters last Saturday he was taking on the incumbent for a second time in the May 18 primary. His last effort was aborted when his petitions were invalidated by the State’s Bureau of Elections.
With two Thomases on the ballot, non-discerning voters, in a District that encompasses much of North Central Philadelphia including portions of the 5th, 18th, 19th, 42nd, 43rd and 49th Wards and all of the 14th, 20th and 37th Wards, could unwittingly pull for the Thomas they didn’t want.
It is expected Thomas will get the endorsement of the majority of Democratic ward leaders that are listed above, though it is reported State Sen. Shirley Kitchen’s 20th Ward will be supporting his opponent.
After two decades in office, it is obvious the Thomas name is identified with the 181st. But which Thomas?
The same-name scenario underlines the importance of ballot position, which will be determined by the candidates when they draw for first in Harrisburg or elect to have a State Trooper pull for them. Voters, who may feel rushed, or be new to voting, could easily go to the first Thomas listed and push that button. In a legislative race, wherein perhaps only 3,000 voters may turn out, the number-one position could easily add 500 votes to the first-place Thomas.
Tommy St. Hill, well-known political consultant, who is Lewis Thomas’ uncle, has been one of the movers behind challenger Lewis. The other is IBEW Local 98 leader John J. Dougherty, Jr., whose hefty Political Action Committee has reportedly sent a sizeable check to him. Lewis’ campaign manager Jeff Jurcan indicates his candidate’s first priority is “to insure we make no filing errors. We intend to be on the ballot May 18.”
Diane Bridges, chair of the 37th Ward and co-chair of Lewis Thomas’ campaign; Renee McNair, chair of the 20th Ward; Mike Boyle of the 5th Ward; and Ronald Payne of the 43rd Ward all attended Lewis Thomas’ opener.
In his announcement speech, Lewis Thomas said when elected, he would concentrate on bringing jobs to the District, addressing the crime issue and making Temple University more responsive to the needs of the surrounding community.
“We will demand Temple University provide resources to the people they are replacing,” Lewis Thomas said.
The District is bounded by Broad Street to the east, Spring Garden to the south, and Wyoming to the north and zigzags along Front, Fourth and Second Streets to the east.
Lewis Thomas said he would open up his campaign office at Broad Street & Fairmount Avenue next week.
This is my first time on your blog. I sort of tripped over the post in a Yahoo search. Where would you recommend I start getting in your posts?