Philadephia Democrats Bite Off Own Nose

State Rep. Tony Payton, Jr., of the 179th district, won his place in the state legislature in 2006 without the endorsement of the city's Democratic party. It looks like he will get a chance to do it again in 2008. The party has, inexplicably, endorsed another candidate.

A number of people I think well of have encouraged me to write about Rep. Payton but time and opportunity have not appeared. Nonetheless, he is highly regarded. He is also a favorite of the bloggers at Young Philly Politics. Two recent posts, "What Big Ed said," by Ray Murphy (1/29) and "A house divided" also by Ray (1/26) provide some background.

Primaries are a fine idea and I don't like to see anyone get a free ride into office, but this does look like a case of an entrenched machine not appreciating any new blood.

The 179th was represented for years by Rep. Bill Reiger who was not known as a legislative powerhouse. His decision not to run in 2006 left it an open seat. Payton fought hard to get onto and stay on the ballot. He may have another fight on his hands.