Leon Angelichio Runs in 53 State House Race

from the inbox:

Leon Angelichio, Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania State Representative in the 53rd Legislative District, is inspired by the energy and support he is already seeing among his family, friends, and supporters. “People are fired up this year – I’ve never seen anything like it. We already have more volunteers than we had 2 years ago, and we have several upcoming fundraisers and meet-and-greets. I look forward to meeting many new people in the district!”
 

Angelichio is running on a platform that includes responsible, sustainable budgeting, as well as supporting education as the foundation of our future workforce, allowing women to make their own health care choices, and protecting the environment. “Did you know that only half of our fishing streams are actually fishable? That’s shameful, and it’s one of the many things I want to address in Harrisburg.”
 

Leon is proud to be a blue-collar candidate. “I’m one of the guys who take showers after work, not before work. I believe people are looking for someone who understands what it’s like to work hard, get your hands dirty, and make an honest living.” He has been an HVAC Licensed Master Technician for 24 years and an owner of Angie Mechanical for 8 years.
                                                                                                                    

Angelichio is currently serving his second term on Lansdale Borough Council and is a member of the Administration & Finance Committee and the Public Works Committee. He is active in the Democratic Party, and is married with 2 children.
 

Refer to the campaign website at www.VoteLeon.com for additional information. The 53rd Legislative District includes Lansdale Borough, Hatfield Township and Borough, Franconia Township, Souderton Borough, Telford Borough (Montgomery County portion only), and Salford Township.

Shaughnessy Naughton Update

Shaughnessy Naughton, who was a primary candidate for the 8th congressional district, sent out an email announcing her new professional direction.  Here is part of her statement:

In the months since the primary, I’ve reflected on what we achieved together and the work that lies ahead.

I ran because I believed that we need new perspectives in Congress. As a scientist, entrepreneur, and business leader, I didn’t fit the template of a conventional politician. And public service, like business, wasn’t my first career choice.

But I saw a deficit of leadership that remains unfilled. For decades, Congress has shortchanged NIH funding, ignored climate change, and listened to special interests instead of scientists.

My mission to advocate for STEM priorities didn’t end in April. That’s why I’ve joined the board of 314 Action, a grassroots organization founded to empower the STEM community to affect public policy.

Andy Warren in the 8th

Andy Warren, who was a Bucks County Commissioner for many years (as a Republican), and ran for Congress in 2006 (as a Democrat) is running for the 8th congressional seat again this year (as a Republican).  You can read more at "Warren enters 8th race" by James McGinnis in the Bucks County Times (6/21/2016).

No mention of a website.  It might be tricky.  Warrenforcongress.com is taken, so is Andywarren.com.  Both andywarrenforcongress.com and andywarren2016.com might be taken but there isn't a public site at those addresses.  I tried a few other likely website addresses but didn't see anything.

Santarsiero Files for Congressional Run

from the inbox, a note about the 2016 congressional election in the 8th district (Bucks County)

PA State Representative, Steve Santarsiero (D-31), filed his statement of candidacy this week in preparation for a run for Congress in 2016 in the 8^thCongressional district seat being vacated by Congressman Mike Fitpzatrick.  Santarsiero is a dedicated public servant committed to the community who has demonstrated his ability to win seats previously held by Republicans.   A more formal announcement will come later in the year. 

After watching the Twin Towers collapse in 2001 from his office window, Santarsiero left his job at a prominent law firm to become a high school teacher in the Bensalem Township School District.  He inspired his students to get involved in their community and led by example through organizing residents to stop the Matrix development, a proposed big-box shopping center in his home town of Lower Makefield.  That experience led him to run for Township Supervisor in 2003.  He won with 55% of the vote, beating a long-time incumbent and becoming the first Democrat to serve on the Lower Makefield Board in 18 years and only the second in recent memory.  He later helped secure the first ever Democratic majority on the Board and became its chairman. 

In 2008, Steve Santarsiero won an open seat in the Pennsylvania state house that had been held by a Republican since it was created in 1992.  As a state legislator, Steve earned a reputation as a reformer when he repeatedly turned down legislative perks, including per diems, state cars and free health care; pushed for campaign finance reform; wrote what became the House’s new ethics rules on political activity; and became a leader on a variety of critical issues from gun safety to protecting our water and the environment to giving PA residents priority for state contracts. 

I’m excited to start preparing a campaign to represent the people of Bucks and Montgomery Counties in Congress,” Santarsiero said.  “It’s time we make Washington accountable to our citizens.  I will make it a priority to focus on keeping the middle class families of the 8^th District secure while helping to grow our economy, create jobs and bring real reform to Washington.”

State Representative Santarsiero and his wife, Ronni, have lived in Bucks County for 19 years.  They have three children, Nancy (17), Billy (15), and Johnny (11). 

Former Congresswoman, Allyson Schwartz, who like Santarsiero served in the state legislature before running for Congress said, “Steve Santarsiero’s entry into the race is great news for the 8th District and for our Democratic Party.  His broad support among Republicans, Democrats, and independent voters will make him a formidable candidate." 

John Cordisco, Chairman of the Bucks County Democratic Committee, and another former state legislator, echoed Rep. Schwartz's optimism.
 

"Steve can win this seat.  He just won re-election to the state house by a landslide in a swing district in what turned out to be a very bad year for Democrats,” Cordisco explained.  “He has a clear track record of winning in a tough district, and that's what we will need to prevail in the 2016 congressional race.”
 

Hansen Thank You

a note from State Senate candidate Jack Hansen:

To all my supporters and helpers;

 

The 2014 elections are behind us. The results are not what we wanted, but they are what they are. What we can learn from this year is that all committee persons have to work harder for the causes that we believe in, and all the volunteers have to stay engaged through every election cycle.

 

Elections are not about just one person, rather a common cause that will benefit all of us. I don't think any one of us saw the repeat of 1994 coming where there was a strong swing to the right.

 

We can take refuge in the fact that we elected Tom Wolf as our Governor, and Mike Stack as our Lieutenant Governor, but now it is our job to support them by staying on top of the issues and making our elected officials do our will and work with them.

 

I ran for State Senate because I believed that we need a change in our state government, and I still believe that! About 22,000 voters also believe that. It is the job of the candidate to deliver a victory for their supporters. I failed to deliver for you. I am not asking for sympathy in that statement. I am just stating a fact. I truly am humbled by all the support that you gave to me, and I will never forget it. I consider all of you friends even if we didn't have the opportunity to meet personally. Over the six months of this campaign I had the opportunity to travel over 17,000 miles in my old station wagon, and never leave the district, I attended town hall meetings, breakfasts with civic groups, luncheons with retirees, dinners with committees, and even a cruise on the Delaware River. I went to community days, parades, and picnics. I had the opportunity to speak with many people who all felt the same way about our government. They are tired of the gridlock and dis-function of our government that has haunted both Washington and Harrisburg. I knocked on doors and spoke with regular folks who just wanted to vent about their displeasure with the status quo. We all want the same thing. A government that works for all of us, not just the privileged few.

 

From what I have heard, with the exception of Tom Wolf, our campaign delivered a better showing than any other challenger in the state. I could not have done this without your support

 

I am proud of my staff, and all of the volunteers who worked so many hours to make a difference. Please stay involved, and informed so you can help candidates in the future.

 

Thank you for all your hard work!

 

Sincerely,

 

Jack Hansen

Concession Note from Kevin Strouse

a note from Kevin Strouse, who ran for Congress in the 8th district (Bucks Co)

Friends,

We came up short last night. It's never fun to be on the losing side of things, but as I reflect on our effort I know that my team did everything it could to win this race, including working many late nights to get out the vote. Thanks to your efforts, we reached out to over 220,000 voters throughout this campaign. In fact, we knocked over 20,000 doors just in the last four days.

I am so grateful for your loyal support. I asked constantly for your help, and you always came up big for us. I am deeply flattered you were willing to stand with me. 

Ultimately, we talked about the issues that matter most. We stood up for improving our education system, we pushed for equality, and we tirelessly fought for opportunity for all.

I do have one final request of you: please stay involved. The issues are too important and our problems are too large to stop working towards a better country. If good people like you don't continue fighting, who will? 

Thank you for all you've done. 

Kevin Strouse

Wounded Warrior Project Wins Clio Award

There is a local connection to a Clio Award winning project.  The trailer for a new MSNBC documentary, Wounded:  The Battle Back Home, features a song by the band Imagine Dragons.  The documentary is connected to former Congressman Patrick Murphy's show on the same network, Taking the Hill.

Holding Up the Hate Crimes Bill

Now that same sex marriage is legal in Pennsylvania, it is time to extend further rights to all citizens.  Pennsylvania’s hate crimes law does not includes sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.  In 2013 it was one of only 15 states that did not.  Two bills that change this law, HB177 and SB42, have been sitting in committee for over a year.   HB 177 also adds ancestry and physical or mental disabilities to the law. 

The House bill was voted out of committee in early October, after sitting in the committee for months.  The Senate bill in the Senate Judiciary  Committee.  On December 3, 2013, the Harrisburg Patriot News asked the committee chairs (Jim Marsico and Stewart Greenleaf) when there would be action the bills.  Neither responded.  Greenleaf has said he has no intention of bringing the bill up for a vote.   This past Monday Greenleaf’s Democratic opponent, Ruth Damsker, delivered 80,000 signature on a petition calling for a vote on this measure.

Another House bill, HB300, would add gender orientation or identity to the state’s human relations bill; it also adds ancestry and physical or mental disabilities.  It also is sitting in committee; in this case the House State Government committee.

Text and status of bills can be found at legis.state.pa.us

Sources

DeMarco, Emily, “PA’s hate-crime law still leaves many groups out,” Patriot-News, 12/03/2103

Newall, Mike, “Growing calls for stronger Pa. hate-crime laws,” Philadelphia Inquirer, 9/20/2014

Damsker campaign press release

Op-Ed from Steve Cickay

from the inbox:

My name is Steve Cickay and I am running for State Senate here in District 10. My opponent, Senator Chuck McIlhinney, is a career politician who has been in Harrisburg far too long: 16 years too long of too little accomplishment. It’s time for a change. 

Change can be a challenge for some. The status quo is comfortable and known. But please realize now that not to change will be even more uncomfortable and wrong. For the Corbett/McIlhinney path we are on is clearly wrong for the people of Pennsylvania.

It is wrong for education.  It is wrong for the environment. And it is wrong for an economy that should instead be supporting well-paying jobs for middle-class workers and a secure retirement.

Chuck is a fine person and a fine family man and has tried his best to serve the public well. But after 16 years, we have seen much failure. Our property taxes keep rising each year. Our schools are underfunded. Big corporations and oil companies don’t pay their fair share of taxes at our expense. A pension crisis looms and nothing gets done to fix it. Working people’s wages are stagnant and the minimum wage leaves a million people in poverty. 500,000 of our fellow-citizens don’t have health insurance. Common sense gun safety legislation doesn’t get passed. Job discrimination laws are still on the books. Women, in 2014 in America, still often don’t get paid the same amount as men. Yet our 253 legislators in Harrisburg can’t seem to do anything about these important issues.

I feel a big part of the problem of why nothing gets done is career politicians are focused too much on campaigning and not governing, too much on getting campaign contributions from special interests and not enough on doing what the people want.

I promise to be both your servant and leader. I promise to listen to you in town halls all over the district every two weeks when I am not in Harrisburg. You won’t have to make a big campaign contribution to have me hear your voice. I will represent you if what you say makes sense for our community. I will represent the rich and the poor; the healthy and the sick, the strong and the weak; independents, Republicans and Democrats alike.

But if you stay the course with Chuck and Corbett, our public education system will continue to be underfunded. And the oil companies will continue to get tax breaks. Stay the course with Chuck and Corbett and our property taxes will continue to go up. And multinationals will continue to enjoy loopholes that allow them to pay zero taxes. Stay the course with Chuck and Corbett and soon you will see frackers drilling in our District. Think what that will do to the quality of our life here and our property values.

But elect me your senator and the change you will see will be a good one. I will work tirelessly for you, just as I have tirelessly walked and run the streets of this district for the last 8 months. I will strive to make Pennsylvania not the last among states, but among the first. Think of me then on Election Day as your first Democratic senator in 120 years. Make change happen. Yes, it’s time for a change here in District 10.  Vote for a new state senator, Steve Cickay, on November 4^th.

2014 Candidates' Comedy Night

The 24^th Annual Candidates' Comedy Night

August 14th

Finnegan's Wake

This annual political event which benefits a local charity, Variety Philadelphia.  The venue and all staffing and services are donated.  

I took notes as people performed and as it is impossible to write as fast as people talk I missed some things.  So this is by no means a complete transcript.  I caught as much as I could.  Information in parentheses indicates the candidate's party affiliation and office sought.  Other than the two gubernatorial candidates everyone was a congressional candidate and the number indicates the district they are in.  Information in brackets are my comments.  In places it notes something that I missed; in others it is a more direct comment.  For example, I don't follow any professional sports so sports jokes are completely beyond me.  If someone told a lot of sports jokes I just noted that in brackets.   I did not quite know how to record the performance by Mary Ellen Balchunis so that is one long bracketed comment.  

It is entirely possible that I misinterpreted something, or that by missing part of a presentation the balance of it is out of context.  If that happened I apologize for it, and also for any other errors or misconceptions.  This is my best effort at recording as much as I could.

Host:  Stu Bykofsky, columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News

Co-host:  JeniceArmstrong, also a columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News

Comedy Headliner:  Joe Conklin

Stu:  Introduces Jenice Armstrong, mentions that in the first 23 years the event has raised $475,000 for Variety Philadelphia.  He had hoped the event would break $500K this year but it’s a few thousand short

Jenice Armstrong:  There will be 14 candidates doing comedy routines [and goes over event business].

Stu:  [a lot of tasteless jokes, including jokes about child abuse and incest, truly unpleasant to listen to]

Jenice:  [some political jokes]

Megan Rath (R – 1, challenging Bob Brady).  I can’t believe I shaved my legs for this.  All the politicians in the room, no one has been indicted (yet), guess that Kathleen Kane connection is working.  Traffic judges not convicted.  Ok to fix traffic tickets again.  Can you help me out, Bob?  Schools might be funded by cigarette tax.  Will teachers call recess a smoking break?  Nutter is hoping the Pope will do a loaves and fishes thing again.  This is my first foray into politics.  Don’t have a platform yet.  But when carpenters get back into convention center I’ll have them build me one.  Democratic convention here?  It will make the Wing Bowl look classy.  Being pro-choice is like immigration, both penetrate a border we thought was secure.  In the Affordable Care Act there is a provision to save money if you take your own stitches out.  Call suture self.  I used to date a doctor, now I just want to be able to afford one.  My apartment is only 600 square feet.  [small apt jokes]

Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8 incumbent).  Thank Stu fro bringing so many members of Congress together.  IN Bucks County I visit 100 businesses in 100 days.  True story – a constituent was driving north on 95, pulled over by the police.  She doesn’t have a license or owner’s registration in the car.  Tells the officer she stole the car from a guy whom she killed and is storing him in the trunk.  Cut him up into little pieces.  The policemen calls his boss who came right over.  When he asked she had her license and the registration.  The boss says the officer said you stole the car.  She says I bet he told you I was speeding, too.  Story about kidney stone – called the Pelosi stone.  You have to pass it to see what’s in it.  Joke about Rep. Pelosi getting mad at Rep. Marino.  Joke about Pelosi and botox and facelift.  [In joke she tells Pelosi she looks hot and she smiles – he grimaces like someone who has had botox or a facelift]

Bob Brady (D-1 incumbent).  I haven’t missed one of these events.  Stu went to visit a mental institution.  Asked how they decide who belongs here and who doesn’t.    [He tells a joke about Stu failing the test and staying in the institution].  A married couple is in an accident.  The husband is burned and needs a skin graft.  He is so skinny that they take skin from his wife’s behind.  He thanks his wife.  She says she gets great joy from watching his mother kiss his cheeks.  I don’t do political humor, won’t make fun of others.  [He tells a joke about two business partners who make a deal that whichever one dies first will come back and tell the other one what the afterlife is like.  One dies, comes back and tells the other he has sex, eats, and sleeps all day.  Turns out he is now a bear in Yellowstone Park.]  [Gives Stu a gift care from Capital Grill – all the candidates pitched in for it.]  Stu says we are $3K short of making $500K, asks Tom Corbett, Tom Wolf, Pat Meehan, Mike Fitzpatrick for $500 each.  Asks Nicky and Ted [not sure who these people are] and Eddie from PECO for $500 each.  Asks Alan Butkovitz for $500.  They all agree.  Much applause.  Now over $500K

Stu:  Thanks all.  Bipartisan effort.

Armond James (R-2, challenging Chaka Fattah):  [Stu says he begged to be included and now he doesn’t show up.] 

Brendan Boyle (D-13, open seat).  Hello, Finnegan’s Wake!  Applause for Stu and Jenice.  First time here.  A little excited, a little nervous.  Already lasted longer than my other first time – giving a speech I mean.  Today I saw [sports team], police shooting with blanks[?], and now Governor Corbett – 3 things with no shot.  [joke about now that he has joked about Corbett he is praying that Corbett is never Attorney General again].  Charlie Kallas joke.  Eagles broke my heart.  Four championship games but no Super Bowl.  Goes to show how great McNabb was – just ask him he’ll tell you.  I went the political route.  All three Boyles went the public service route.  I’m in the state house.  My brother is in the state house.  My dad is a SEPTA janitor – at least one of us has an honest job.  Here because I won the primary.  The most expensive in the country.  Next day get a call from Bill Clinton asking me to hang out at Chickie & Pete’s.  Congress has an approval rating of 7%.  With hard work we can get it to 8%.

Pat Meehan (R-7 incumbent).  Thanks Stu and Jenice.  Always a fun night.  Nice to be away from Washington.  Fitzpatrick took one of my Pelosi jokes.  She is one of the people who makes it a tough environment.  She discovered social media – she’s on “can’t move my face book.”  Obama sent her to China because the first one who blinks loses.  Don’t worry about impeachment.  Why not?  Three words:  President Joe Biden.  Nutter back in the news.  Trip to France on taxpayers’ dime.  Staff taking in on the chin.  They thought he asked for three days and nights at the Paris Hilton.  What he wanted was three nights with Paris Hilton.  The DNC is here to see if the convention should be held in Philadelphia.  We have a good shot.  Philly can rig elections.  Philly GOP endorsed the concept – a campaign they might be able to win.  Monied donors, debauchery, Scotch, to Bob Brady that’s just another Tuesday night.  Bill Clinton is on board [lists the names of local gentleman’s clubs].  Chuckie Schumer is pushing Brooklyn.  We need our own narcissistic [missed this word] – good thing we have Ed Rendell.  Called my friend Chris Christie – have the DNC here just as you are exploring you own bid.  Christie non-plussed – we’ll close that bridge when we come to it.  Going to put three people on the spot – Stu, Brady & Fitpatrick.  I’m going to take the ice water challenge and nominate you to do the same and raise $100 for ALS. 

Stu:  I’ll do it right now.  Let’s get a pitcher of ice water.

Chaka Fattah (D-2 incumbent):  [doesn’t show up.  Jenice wonders if he’s out coaching his son]

Stu:  [Introducs Doug Zeiders, head of Variety]

Doug Zeiders:  Variety offers day and overnight camp for children with disabilities, all ages, all disabilities.  Parents say Variety camp is the only place, outside of him, that kids are loved and accepted.

Stu:  I’ve been on the board of Variety for over 20 years.  We aren’t paid.  We actually have to pay to be on the board.  Pay for parking, meals, etc for meetings. 

Joe Conklin [jokes about Chris Christie and extra crispy and the ice water challenge.]  Now that the DNC is gone we can be ourselves again.  Does impression of Mayor Nutter saying Fishtown was originally a lesbian penal colony.  Does Rendell impression of Rendell saying he likes thin blondes and got the phone numbers of three women in DNC group.  Pope coming to Philly.  The Archdiocese won’t confirm --  but will move him from parish to parish.  Sending buses of priests to Little League game.  Corbett promised money to the Philly schools but gave it to Chaka Fattah, Jr. to hold.  If anybody needs weed Jim Kenney is out on 3^rd St.  [many sports jokes].

Stu:  [Does 50/50 drawing.  Jenice wins, donates money back to Variety.  Auction of baseball signed by Mike Schmidt.  Auctions jersey signed by Donovan McNabb.  Gentleman from Emerald Capital wins both.  Stu thanks everyone who donated items or services.]

Kevin Strouse (D-8 challenging Mike Fitzpatrick):  Thanks for warming up the crowd.  Tradition to make the first joke about Stu, but also told not to make fun of the elderly.  I joined the Army and fought the Taliban, now ready for the real fight – Congress.  When joined and in basic training only one in my unit not from the South, didn’t know who Kenny Chesney was.  I had the most boring contraband.  The others had the most debauched porn.  I had a World War II history book.  Hard to separate the Taliban from the goats – they never forget their first love.  After the military I went to work for the NSA.  I can’t tell you how much fun I had.  Seriously, I can’t tell you.  [Dick Cheney joke]

Ryan Costello (R-6, open seat):  Stu took clean jokes.  Brendan said all the jokes I couldn’t say.  On vacation getting John Boehner on – tan.  Problem with political jokes is they often get elected.  [does Johnny Carson Karnack jokes]  What are Rocky and The Sting?  Two jokes that describe Kathleen Kane’s first year in office.  Ted Cruz?  Person Manan Trivedi most wants to see fundraise for me.  Ryan Costello and Ed Rendell?  The last two people to hit on my wife.  Schuylkill Expressway?  What is the only thing slower than Obamacare website. 

Tom Corbett (R-Governor):  I feel sorry for you having to listen to all this.  Politicians aren’t funny.  Tom Wolf and I did this last night in Pittsburgh.  Politicians are not funny.  Except Daylin Leach – fact finding trip to Colorado to investigate pot.    Sunday night thinking about jokes.  People want to know what you do as governor.  At the grocery store they ask what are you doing?  Shopping.  At restaurants, what are you doing?  Eating.  What do I do that’s different than what other people do?  1) I was born in Philadelphia.  I’m the first governor born in Philadelphia since the Revolutionary War – hasn’t gotten me one vote.  2) In was invited to the White House dinner for Angela Merkel.  The President was sitting behind me.  Tim Geithner was the host at my table.  Nancy Pelosi was there.  A woman asks me what I’m doing in Philadelphia to help re-elect Obama.  I say I’m the Republican governor.  She says really, what are you doing to help the President.  3) Bass Masters.  Fish that are caught are put back in.  People cheering for me are from New Jersey.  Tom Wolf and I have a lot in common.  Drive jeeps.  I’m tired of seeing the jeep.  In commercials Tom Wolf is driving a jeep – not looking where he is going.  Tom Wolf must be feeling the pressure.  He actually let the lieutenant governor out.

Mary Ellen Balchunis (D-7, challenging Pat Meehan).  [I honestly don’t know how to really describe this.  Balchunis did not do a comedy routine.  She and two other women did a song and dance routine, to the tune of “I Will Survive.”  The lyrics had something to do with pay equity and social media.  She and the other two women did their performance on the floor instead of the stage.  I wonder if she had decided this in advance because it took a lot of time to get the microphones set up.  Since they were on ground level it was difficult to see.  It was also painful to watch.  To be fair some people might have thought it was innovative and refreshing.  I’m simply not one of them.]

Manan Trivedi (D-6, open seat).  Want to thank Mary Ellen.  No matter what I do it can’t be worse than that.  It must be tough for Tom Corbett to come into Philadelphia, with protests, etc.  If it gets to be too much just shut your eyes.  Right now Wolf is ahead by 20, but he will do more commercials; people will meet him.  Corbett could lose by a lot more.  Tom Wolf drove his jeep.  I know it was his because the license plate is from Delaware.  I have a lot in common with Wolf.  He has a PhD; I’m a doctor.  We both have two daughters and grew up in a small town.  But if he grows a beard he’s everyone’s uncle and if I grow a beard I’m on the terrorist watch list.  I won’t make many ethnic jokes.  In case the gaming commission is here, I’m a 7-11 Indian not a casino Indian.  Let’s skip the debates and just have seven spelling bees.  The DNC people were just here.  Bob Brady wore his best track suit.

Stu does the ice water challenge and says that the first time he’s had ice without Jack Daniels.

Tom Wolf (D- Governor, challenging Tom Corbett).  I came from a small town in York County.  It is so small it only has one traffic light.  I was concerned that I would have trouble driving in Philadelphia but no one here knows how to drive either.  I am known as being a little wooden.  I’m sorry Bob Casey isn’t here.  Next to him I look exciting.  Fundraising is hard.  But it is harder to take $10 million out of the family rainy day fund.  Keeps me honest not beholden.  But if anyone comes up with a cure for baldness he can have anything he wants.  I thought Tom Corbett and I were running for the most powerful office in the state, but according to his commercials I learned the Secretary of Revenue is.  If elected I will be the first bearded governor in [missed this number] years.  People say politicians are jokers but tonight proves that is not true.

Dee Adcock (R-13, open seat).  I’m the guy everyone was looking for.  Megan Rath, she’s young, beautiful, and witty.  Comedy night is the perfect place for me.  When I told my wife I was running she said very funny.  I’ve not held any political positions.  After college I grew a small swimming pool store into a large distributorship.  I think about water too much.  My daughter’s name is Brooke; my wife is Sandy.  Let’s dive right in.  I ran in 2010.  People were looking for someone who was not a career politician.  Allyson Schwartz lost the primary for governor.  She put all she’s learned into her new job as a Wal-Mart greeter.  If elected I will donate my salary to charity.  I’m at a disadvantage in the city because of party registration.  I know my party backs me because I rode up in the elevator with all of them.  Just celebrated my 27^th anniversary.  I’ve been married longer than my opponent’s been alive.  When asked about seniors Brendan Boyle said “I hated them in high school because they shoved me in the lockers.”  When Obama says slice he means golf.  When Michelle says slice she means meat in school lunches.

With that the evening ended.  

Belated Bucks Co Primary Result Reflections

Always late to the party, I'm just  now taking an in-depth look at primary results.  You can play along at home at http://www.buckscountyelections.org/  A few thoughts:

* More Democrats than Republicans turned out, probably due to the contested congressional primary.  Almost twice as many Dems took the time to vote.

* However, the turnout wasn't consistent across races.  For example, if my math is correct (never a good bet, check me on this before re-posting anything) 16,988 Republicans cast a vote for governor, 18,522 for lt. gov, and 19,634 for Mike Fitzpatrick in the 8th congressional race.  That means nearly 3,000 Republican voters purposefully did not pull a lever or push a button for the governor's race.  That's harsh.

* How did other races stack up?  For govenor, Democrats cast 35,713 votes, for lt gov 32,226 votes, for 8th congressional district 33,363 votes.  So Dems were more invested in the governor's race, less so the lt gov, and congress getting the Goldilocks spot in the middle.

Cickay Staying in State Senate Race

partial press release:

Candidate for State Senate (SD-10), Steve Cickay, has indicated he is firmly committed to continue his issue-based campaign against an incumbent career politician.  Cickay has assembled a team of grassroots volunteers who are very busy throughout District 10 spreading the word why the status quo is not acceptable and is confident that the traditional old-fashioned voter outreach will take his positive message of change successfully to the voters.

Bucks Candidates Oppose Fracking in Parks

Tomorrow, June 21st, several Bucks County Democratic candidates (Steve Cickayk Kevin Strouse, Karen Chellew and a representative from Jack Hanson's campaign will hold a press conference in Nockamixon State Park to talk about keeping fracking and oil rigs out of state parks.

Classy Statement from Kevin Strouse

The classiest email I have seen this electoral season, from Kevin Strouse, Democratic candidate for the 8th congressional district:

I’m so proud and thankful to have you on my team. Your support paid off last night when we won a tough primary.

My primary opponent, Shaughnessey Naughton, ran a strong, earnest campaign, and I applaud her efforts as well as her vision of America. I also sincerely appreciate her graciousness and willingness to stand with us as we take on Mike Fitzpatrick and bring new leadership to Congress.

It's time for all of us to unite. We have a difficult fight ahead but we can and will win because we share a vision that resonates with all Americans. In our America, we fight for an economy that benefits everybody -- not just big business. We fight for outstanding schools so that every child has access to quality, affordable education. And we fight for a first world infrastructure so that we remain the best place in the world to do business.

Your support means so much to me and I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.
Thanks for being with me, from the beginning, now, and in the future.
Kevin

Statement from Bucks Co Dems

from the inbox, a note from John Cordisco, Chair of the Bucks County Democratic Committee:

Yesterday was an historic day for Democratic values. Not only do we finally have a great nominee to take on Tom Corbett in November, but we welcomed news that the ban on same sex marriage was ruled unconstitutional, making Pennsylvania the 19th state to legalize same sex marriage. 

I applaud Judge Jones' decision and I offer my sincere congratulations to our friends in the LGBT community in Bucks County and all over Pennsylvania whose committed, loving relationships now have equal legal standing. 

Bucks County Democrats could not be more excited for what I think is one of the strongest Democratic tickets ever assembled. Congratulations to our nominee for Governor, Tom Wolf, and for Lieutenant Governor, Mike Stack. The Wolf/Stack ticket put up a resounding win yesterday and I am confident they'll have what it takes to beat Corbett and Cawley in November. 

Congratulations to our nominee for Congress, Kevin Strouse. We were very fortunate to have had two smart, talented, and capable candidates vying for this nomination who each had passionate supporters. 

Congratulations also to nominees Kim Rose, Steve Cickay, Ruth Damsker, and Jack Hansen for State Senate; and Steve Santarsiero, John Galloway, Tina Davis, Gina Kiley and Karen Chellew for State House. 

With the primary behind us, we must come together now as a united Democratic party to take on Tom Corbett and the Republican party in November. We have great Democratic nominees who share our common-sense, progressive values like creating jobs, women's rights, marriage equality, protecting the environment, access to healthcare for all, improving education, and strengthening of Social Security and Medicare. 

Thank you for your hard work on behalf of your candidates and for your continued commitment to the values of our Democratic Committee. I am very proud of what we accomplished yesterday and I'm looking forward to working with our nominees and each and every one of you to Turn Bucks Blue. 

Sincerely,

 John Cordisco

Chairman, Bucks County Democratic Committee

Cickay Launches Cickay Running Campaign

from the inbox:

Although a newcomer at running for political office, Steve Cickay, currently the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania District 10 State Senator, has been running for most of his life. “I started running on my high school cross country team at age 11, and that was the start of a great lifetime habit” said Candidate Steve Cickay, who is now age 59 and still running. Steve did his last marathon 10 years ago in New York City, but still can be seen on the local 5K running scene. “Running has kept me fit and focused and has taught me important life-skills related to perseverance, going the distance, and accomplishing objectives.” 

            During a recent run along the Delaware River towpath, Candidate Cickay came up with the idea of combining his two passions of politics and running. He is, therefore, launching on May 10 in Doylestown his CICKAY RUNNING CAMPAIGN as part of his race for state senate. Steve and his supporters will be running on May 10 at 9:30 AM in the “Run, Walk & Roll 5K “which is part of the spring Bucks 5K Series (www.bucks5kseries.com). Rumor has it that his supporters will be getting some new “CICKAY FOR STATE SENATE” T-shirts if they finish the race. “Running in 5Ks is not only a great way to stay healthy, but also an opportunity to support some great causes for the local community. Of course by launching this running campaign, I hope to increase awareness of my state senate campaign and talk directly to voters after the races. But more importantly, I hope to encourage more runners to contribute to these worthwhile causes” says a hopeful and optimistic Cickay. The May 10 race supports teacher grants for students with special needs.

             Cickay hopes many runners will attend this race and wants to run in every 5K in District 10 between now and the November 4^th election. Next up are the two remaining races in the spring series, the May 24 Doylestown 5K and the June 7^th Chalfont Challenge. Check out his Facebook Page “Steve Cickay for State Senate” for his future 5K running schedule and join the fitness fun.  Cickay hopes to see many of you on both the campaign and road race trails in the near future!

Eric Nagy to Bucks County Dems

The Bucks County Democratic Committee has named Eric Nagy their new executive director.   According to the press release:

Nagy has spent the last eight years managing top-tier campaigns – from State Representative to County Judge to United States Congress – all around the country. Nagy, a native of nearby Easton, PA and graduate of Ithaca College, returns to Bucks County having managed the Commissioner slate during the 2011 cycle

Cickay in State Senate 10th District

Steve Cickay is challenging State Senator Chuck McIlhenny for the Pennsylvania State Senate seat in the 10th district (Bucks County).  Cickay is currently the Communications Chair of the Bucks County Democrats.  He has been active in community organizations, including his synagogue, for many years.  A more recent interest is rescue dogs.  Locally he may be best known for his op-eds and letters to the editor of the Bucks County papers. 

You can read more at "Newtown Democrat to Challenge McIlhenny," by James McGinnis, Bucks County Courier Times, 2/26/14.

No campaign website but reportedly one is underway.

Here is the introductory press release:

At the Bucks County Democratic Committee’s Endorsement Meeting on Saturday, February 22, 2014, in Southampton, Steve Cickay, Democrat and resident of Newtown since 1985, declared his candidacy for the Pennsylvania District 10 Senate seat, now occupied by Senator Chuck McIlhinney. Steve spent a lifetime dedicated to public service as a federal employee in the Departments of Army, Navy, Labor, and Treasury and ended his career as a member of the Senior Executive Service in the field of information technology, managing over 600 employees and providing service to over 35,000 customers.

                               

“I am appalled at the direction Governor Corbett and his Republican legislators have taken Pennsylvania over the past few years, “ said candidate Cickay. “Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure is crumbling, investments in our children’s education have been drastically cut, and our precious environment is being destroyed by greedy energy corporations who fail to pay their fair share of taxes. “ Candidate Cickay also expressed dismay over the failure to support Medicaid expansion, which has hurt Pennsylvania’s working poor and turned away millions of federal dollars from Pennsylvania that could have stimulated our economy.  “Failure to raise the minimum wage, failure to support marriage equality, and failure to support women’s freedom and pay equality make Pennsylvania seem like a state that is heading backward instead of forward into the 21^st century,” said Mr. Cickay.

 Mr. Cickay feels that a Democratic governor will definitely be elected in the fall and that, therefore, it is critical that a Democratic Senator be elected in District 10. Otherwise, he feels we will simply see a period of obstruction and inaction from the legislature during a critical time where action is necessary on a variety of critical fronts. Mr. Cickay is looking forward to meeting with voters all across District 10 over the next few months to assess their dissatisfaction with the current Republican leadership and hear directly from the voters their ideas for moving Pennsylvania forward.

Steve Cickay has been married to his wife Susan for over 33 years and raised two children through the Council Rock School system. He is currently retired and very active in local Newtown and BCDC politics, as well as various volunteer activities.

Jeremy Sturchio In Politico Playbook

A  local note from Mike Allen's Politico Playbook:

USTR [United States Trade Representative] DEPARTURE LOUNGE: Jeremy Sturchio drafted and cleared one final memo last week, his last as USTR executive secretary. The former director of speechwriting will take his trade chops and great stories to the growing team at Visa Inc., where he starts today as Business Leader for International Government Relations. Like many in Obamaworld, Sturchio started at the grassroots back in '08, as a field organizer in Bucks County, Pa. (where he grew up), running phone banks and voter canvasses out of the Boilermakers Hall in Bensalem.

Strouse Op-Ed on Shutdown

Yesterday 8th congressional district candidate Kevin Strouse's op-ed on the (then) potential government shutdown was published on the PhillyBurbs website.  Here is an excerpt:

Should we avoid a shutdown, Congress will lurch toward its next crisis over whether we will make good on our debt payments. Unfortunately, this theater of the absurd has costs — the brinksmanship itself harms our economic recovery and ability to govern effectively.

I saw this first hand as a manager at the Central Intelligence Agency leading a team of officers investigating illicit financial issues in 2011. While my team and I were working to prepare the president and his National Security staff to deal with a crisis overseas, I was yanked away from my team and the mission in order to prepare for a shutdown. The contrast between those of us who wanted to do our jobs, and those who wanted to play political games, was stark.

Preparing for each shutdown has real financial costs — tax dollars are paying for government agencies to prepare for shutdowns rather than serving the American people.