Interview with Elizabeth Moro

Elizabeth Moro is a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district. The Republican incumbent recently announced that he won't run for re-election so this race has become a lot more interesting. Ms. Moro's campaign got in touch about an interview. This blog used to do a few interviews most years and they were popular posts, so we'll try it again and see how it goes.

Ms. Moro's campaign website is https://www.elizabethmoro.com/ .  My thanks to the campaign for their outreach and patience with my process.

In In the past you raised money for Republican women candidates in Delaware, and now running as Democratic woman. What issues are universal for women candidates?

On January 20th, I joined with countless women across the country to demand equal treatment and speak out against sexual harassment. The pernicious culture that seeks to relegate females to second-class citizenship hurts women everywhere, regardless of their political affiliation. The gender pay gap, the absence of laws that guarantee a woman paid parental leave, and the fight against domestic violence are universal issues for women. Less than 15% of the engineering workforce is female, and young girls often lack access to training in STEM fields. I believe that a woman’s place is wherever she wants it to be, and I will promote this mantra in Congress.

Early in your career you worked at a non-profit institute that looked at global issues. Tell us what you learned from this experience.

My experience only buttressed my longstanding commitment to the preservation of our planet. One of the central tenets of my campaign platform is environmental protection, and when examining global issues, none can deny the destructive effects of man made climate change. When the icecaps melt, and Decorah, Iowa becomes a seaside getaway, it will be too late. Luckily, we have a unique opportunity to combat and reverse these harmful trends. I support a renewed commitment to the Paris Climate Accord and a prompt transition to renewable energy. We are witnessing astounding job growth in the clean energy sector. Instead of focusing on bringing back coal, let’s train workers for the economy of the future.

On twitter you call for campaign finance reform. If you could design the perfect legislation on this, what would it look like?

The Citizens United decision has effectively transformed our democracy into a plutocracy. Candidates indebted to a wealthy donor class are completely divorced from the issues that matter most to working families. Assaults on organized labor, public education, and Medicare expansion can flourish in a system where candidates are beholden to the highest bidder.

I support the Move To Amend organization’s proposed Constitutional Amendment which states, “The rights protected by the Constitution of the United States are the rights of natural persons only.” The Amendment also limits contribution amounts and rejects the misconception that limiting political spending is an unconstitutional suppression of free speech.

Regarding the opioid epidemic, you call for education and better health care. In an ideal world what practical steps can Congress take to address this and other substance abuse issues?

The United States has roughly five percent of the world’s population, but around twenty-two percent of its prison population. The “War on Drugs” has been a colossal policy disaster, offering little more than the warehousing of nonviolent low-grade drug offenders. The growth of the prison industrial complex has done nothing to address the core issues surrounding drug addiction. In order to aggressively combat the opioid epidemic, treatment programs must be adequately funded, especially those that use medication-assisted treatment. Drug courts that prioritize treatment over incarceration are essential, and pharmaceutical behemoths and their drug dealers in white lab coats must be held accountable for their role and face more stringent penalties.

On your campaign website you say you have lived a life of public service. Readily available information shows this to be primarily related to school, scouts, and church activities, and work with local conservation / environmental organizations. How does this prepare you for elected office as opposed to the traditional political path of being elected at the local level and then working up to federal office (like Congress)?

I unequivocally believe that there is an assault on the foundational principles that hold our democracy up. A country that espoused equal opportunity and upward mobility has adopted a country club mindset where only the powerful and well connected have a voice. While I have never been an elected official, a myriad of other experiences prepare me to lead in Congress. My efforts as a conservationist pitted me against powerful corporate interests, and I helped lead a successful effort to prevent the superfluous development of a critical green space. When I was a single mother working while raising a family, I lived the challenges facing so many in my district. Republicans in Congress consistently support trade deals and policies that hurt working families. I couldn’t sit on the sidelines and watch this happen. I am running a grassroots campaign focused on governmental accountability and transparency. As a strong female candidate, I am ready to step into Congress tomorrow and lead.

What are the “low hanging fruit” issues that you think Democrats and Republicans can work together to accomplish in Congress?

There are a plethora of issues that should have a bipartisan consensus. Medicare expansion, environmental protection, and eschewing corporate welfare in favor of Main Street America seem like common sense positions. I have a history of bringing people together and finding common ground. The American people are tired of gridlock, ad hominem attacks, and a culture of divisiveness. While I will never betray my fundamental ideals or the people who elected me, I am willing to work with representatives who want real results for their constituents, not just an increase in Twitter followers.

You say you went to college on Pell grant and loans. What can be done to make college more affordable?

As a college education is becoming more and more essential, it is also becoming less and less affordable. I fundamentally oppose for-profit education that seeks to take advantage of students’ dreams and saddle them with insurmountable debt. Any student that attends a public university or community college should graduate debt free. I am also an avid proponent of alternative options for students including bolstering union apprenticeship programs and providing grants and subsidies for two-year colleges and technical schools. Unions built America’s once vibrant middle class, and I support our labor unions without prevarication.

What question didn’t I ask that you would like to answer?

“Why is it of paramount importance to finally address the egregious partisan gerrymandering in the United States?”

Voters should pick their representatives, not the other way around. Fair districts encourage public involvement and foster an enhanced sense of community. Districts that weave in and out of multiple counties are a direct affront to the spirit of representative democracy. I applaud the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for its recent decision ruling the districts “clearly, plainly, and palpably” unconstitutional. It's far past time for Pennsylvania to send a delegation to the House of Representatives that represents Pennsylvanians.

Leanne Krueger-Braneky a Rising Star

Emily's List has a list of six women they have identified as candidates for the Gabby Giffords Rising Star Award, given to an extraordinary woman in state or local office.  One is Pennsylvania State Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky.  You can vote for her on an Emily's List web page.  (Be forewarned you have to provide an email and zipcode to vote so you'll end up on at least one mailing list)

Kreuger-Braneky Legislation Signed into Law

from the inbox on Dec. 28:

The governor has signed into law legislation by state Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky that will aid in the collection of additional revenue for Pennsylvania, the freshman Delaware County legislator said today. 

Krueger-Braneky's bipartisan legislation will allow Pennsylvania to begin taxing tobacco used to make roll-your-own cigarettes.

Currently, only pre-rolled and pre-packaged cigarettes are taxed under Pennsylvania law. The law (Act 96 of 2015) authored by Krueger-Braneky makes roll-your-own tobacco subject to taxation in much the same way as cigarettes are and ensures the sale of that tobacco counts under the Master Settlement Agreement entered into 15 years ago with the major tobacco companies. 

Under the Master Settlement Agreement, tobacco companies have provided billions of dollars to the state for a variety of health-related programs for seniors and other Pennsylvania residents.

Sekela Coles Announces Candidacy in PA House 164th

This weekend Sekela Coles announced her candidacy for the PA House of Representatives, in the 164th district.  The district contains Millbourne, East Lansdowne, and parts of Upper Darby, and is currently represented by Democrat Margo L. Davidson.

In 2013, Coles was the first African American woman elected to the 7th district of the Upper Darby Township Council.  She was part of Gov. Tom Wolf's transition committee.  She graduated from Central High School and has a bachelor's degree in Finance and Banking from Lincoln University, an MBA from Penn State, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University.

The Delaware County Times has a lengthy article by Linda Reilly on Coles's campaign announcement.

Leanne Krueger-Braneky Wins

The Philly.com website is reporting that Leanne Krueger-Braneky won the special election for the 161st state house district.

Who is Leanne Krueger-Braneky?

Leanne Krueger-Braneky ran for the 161^st state house district in 2014 and lost by almost 2,700 votes (2,696 to be exact)(Scala, 6/28/2015).  Her Republican rival, the incumbent, won, and was sworn in to his second term in January.  In April, however, he announced that he was resigning at the end of the that month.  The special election to replace him is next Tuesday, August 4^th.  She is running again as the Democratic candidate.

The 161^st district includes all of Brookhaven, Rose Valley, Rutledge, Swarthmore, and parts of Aston, Marple, Nether Providence, Newtown, Radnor, Ridley, Springfield and Upper Providence.   She won Swarthmore by a large margin and won Nether Providence and the district’s part of Springfield by a slim margin.   Hacket won in Ridley Township, Aston, Brookhaven, Rutledge and Rose Valley (Logue 11/05/2014).  While Democrats have a slight lead in overall county voter registration, in the  161^st there are 5,000 more GOP registered voters than Democrats (Scala 6/28/2015).  This doesn’t take into account independent voters, those not registered with any particular party.

Krueger-Braneky was praised by the Delaware County Daily Times, although they eventually endorsed Hackett.  Regarding the special election Phil Heron  wrote “I wish they could just hand her the seat now” (Heron, 4/12/2015).  Alas, democracies don’t work that way.

She grew up in New Jersey and did the sensible thing by attending the state university (Logue 10/27/2014).  In her first job after college she was the after school specialist for the American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley, developing programs and services for children.  She was one of three staff people to be granted the Spirit of Excellence Award that year (“Volunteers, 10/24/2000) .  After a year or so, she returned to college for a master’s degree in Urban Economic Development from Eastern University.   In 2001 she married Rev. David Braneky.  Together they led cultural studies trips to South Africa for a year and then settled in the Philadelphia area.  She wrote an article on her visits to South Africa and how they changed her thinking on collaboration and sustainable living.  She was especially inspired by the way the use of water affected people’s lives (Krueger-Braneky, 2005)

For the next eight years she worked as the executive director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, the first person hired for that position.  When Krueger-Braneky was hired SBN had fewer than 100 fee-paying members and an annual budget under $100,000.  In 2012 membership was 450, with a budget of $500,000 (Mastrull 12/17/2012).  Again taking a sensible approach she followed the philosophy that if a sustainable business doesn’t make money it won’t stay in business (Mastrull 5/30/2011).  She tackled issues like green infrastructure, stormwater, a city land bank, and supporting small business and the local economy.  This involved creating partnerships, persuading elected officials,  talking with chambers of commerce, and even working with the White House.  These are all skills that a state representative needs.

In 2011 the SBN issued a report on small businesses in Philadelphia and what can be done to help them (http://www.sbnphiladelphia.org/images/SBN_TCB_11_23.pdf), with nine specific issues identified and tangible steps listed for each.  A year later a follow up was issued giving the status of each step (Mastrull 11/26/2012).   In addition to the land bank, another suggestion that was implemented was a tax credit for sustainable businesses (Mastrull 5/30/2011).

In 2013, after eight years at SBN, she moved to a related national organization, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (Logue 10/27/2014).  The organization website (www.bealocalist.org) now lists her as Senior Director of Strategy and Development.  It includes a long biography listing, among other things, her invitations to speak to the White House Business Council, and her role and Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program.

She and her husband have one child, a son.

Sources:

Heron, Philip E. “Letter from the editor:  State Rep. Hackett returning to his roots,” Delaware County Daily Times 4/12/2015

Krueger-Braneky, Leanne, “Connected by a glass of water,” In Business 27 #6 (Nov/ Dec 2005) p. 30

Logue, Tim, “Hackett holds on to 161^st legislative district post,” Delaware County Daily Times 11/05/2014

Logue, Tim, “Hackett, Krueger-Braneky square off in 161^st district,” Delaware County Daily Times 10/27/14

Mastrull, Diane, “City a bit better at helping small firms,” Philadelphia Inquirer 11/26/2012

Mastrull, Diane, “Greening of business – now a decade old, a network that helps small Philadelphia firms thrive while practicing sustainability intends to keep it growing,” Philadelphia Inquirer 5/30/2011

Mastrull, Diane, “Leader of small-business network heads to new challenge,” Philadelphia Inquirer 12/17/2012

Scala, Kristina, “Mullen gets backing in 161^st district race,” Delaware County Daily Times 6/28/2015

“Volunteers get Red Cross award,” Lancaster New Era 10/24/2000

John Oliver at the Tower Theater

John Oliver gave a great performance at the Tower Theater this evening.  He had a lot of local humor, Eagles jokes, riffing on the Mummers.  On being told that traffic problems meant the audience was being seated late he asked what was causing the problems.   Theater staff said “it’s Upper Darby.”   This led to some Upper Darby jokes. 

Oliver’s show was, in essence, a love letter to America.  He talked about his travels around the US and the idiosyncracies of the country.  He sang new lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner, with the audience joining in when prompted. 

As with all good comedians he told self-deprecating stories about himself, including his childhood dream of being an athlete, jokes about celebrity, and a story about his new puppy.

It was a great show.  Oliver was in top form.

Vitali to Receive Bob Edgar Public Service Award

Tomorrow (Friday) evening the Delaware County Democrats will host their annual holiday cocktail party.  At this event they will present the Bob Edgar Public Service Award to State Rep. Greg Vitali, in recognition of his many years of distinguished service.

According to the press release:

Recently elected to his 13th term, Vitali has been leader on environmental issues and open government. He has consistently stood up for the values and ideals of the Democratic Party no matter what the consequence. 

Named after the late Congressman Bob Edgar, the award is presented annually by the Delaware County Democratic Committee. Edgar represented Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District for six terms from 1975 until 1987, breaking Delaware County's Republican "machine". Edgar was known for his independence and as a reformer. While in Congress he led efforts to improve public transportation, authored the community Right to Know provisions of Super Fund legislation, co-authored the new GI bill for the all-volunteer service, fought wasteful water projects, and supported tougher environmental laws.

Vitali is one of my favorite state reps and it is delightful to see him receive this award.

 

Balchunis Thank You

from the inbox:

I want to thank you for all your support. I could never have anticipated the immense support we received from the good people of the five counties in the 7^th district. When the party asked me to run in February, I knew we had several challenges: a strong incumbent, one of the most gerrymandered districts in the nation, an opponent with a huge war chest and an even bigger staff. In the midst of the campaign, my mom became very sick and later died. But, I knew my mom would want me to run to take a stand for all the issues that were so important to her: stopping the gun violence, increasing minimum wage, equal pay for equal work and decreasing student loans.

I called Congressman Meehan to concede the election last night. I want to congratulate him, and I want to pledge my support in the Congressman’s efforts to obtain Universal Background Checks.

When I was in graduate school, we learned that the nickname for the senate was “the millionaires club”.  Now, half of the House of Representatives are also millionaires. Many of them work to make sure that their wealth is protected while the middle class is getting squeezed and the poor are getting poorer. We need a congress that understands the needs of all the people in the 7^th district.

Timing is everything in politics. Although this may have not been my time to enter congress, this does not end our fight on all of the issues that we stood for in this campaign. We must take these next two years to unite as a nation, not a party, to work together to make our nation a more equal, more prosperous, and a safer place for our families. As I said last night, persistence is the key to life, and now is the time to persevere. I am so proud of the campaign that my campaign team and I were able to put forward. We couldn't have done it without your help. I can’t thank you enough.

                                                                                    Gratefully,

                                                                                    Mary Ellen

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.  

Krueger-Braneky Opens Campaign Office

Leanne Krueger-Braneky opened a campaign office in Swarthmore on July 4th.  She is the Democratic candidate for the 161st state house district, which includes Aston, Brookhaven, Nether Providence, parts of Ridley Township, Rose Valley, Rutledge, part of Springfield and Swarthmore.

Leanne has advised the White House Business Council on the needs of small businesses.  For eight years, Leanne served as the first Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN), creating a 500-plus member business organization working to build a just, green, and thriving economy in the Southeast Pennsylvania five-county region.  The SBN was named Regional Economic Development Program of the Year by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission in 2011.

  

Keystone Progress PAC Endorses Billy Smith

from the inbox:

The Keystone Progress Political Action Committee (KP PAC) announced today that it is endorsing Billy Smith in the 164^th Legislative District.

KP PAC is the political action committee of Keystone Progress.  Keystone Progress is a multi-issue progressive organization with over 200,000 members.  This is only the third endorsement by the progressive organization since it began making endorsements earlier this year.

The following is the endorsement announcement from KP PAC:We are honored to announce that the board of directors of the Keystone Progress Political Action Committee (KP PAC) endorses Billy Smith for State Representative in the 164th district.

We are proud to be able to make this endorsement because of Mr. Smith’s clear support for progressive values, including civil rights, workers’ rights, voting rights, protecting our environment, supporting public education and affordable health care.  These are the values that our members want to see championed in Harrisburg.  We believe that Billy Smith is the best candidate to assure that working families in the 164th Legislative District will have a strong, progressive voice in the House of Representatives.We look forward to working with Billy Smith as the next State Representative from the 164^th district.

Pennsylvania NOW Endorses Billy Smith in 146th District

from the inbox:

March 20th, 2014 - On Thursday, the National Organization for Women (NOW) announced their  endorsement of Billy Smith's campaign for State House.  NOW is at the forefront of supporting and protecting women's rights across Pennsylvania.  "Pennsylvania NOW endorses the candidates we know will fight for the women of the Commonwealth every time.  In this race, that's Billy Smith." The only candidates that NOW considers are feminist leaders and strong supporters of women's rights issues. "I am humbled by the support of the National Organization of Women.  As the son of a single mother, who was also raised with the help of my single grandmother, I am keenly aware of the struggles and gains that women have endured and made to attain gender equality.  I am forever in debt to the amazing women in my life for helping me become the man that I am today.  I've always stood with women and will continue to do so as a member of Pennsylvania state legislature." This is a tremendous development for the Smith campaign; NOW rarely endorses men over women and only does so when the male candidate is far and away more progressive on women's rights issues.  With the endorsement of NOW, Margo Davidson must begin to answer the question: Why are women abandoning her campaign?  The next two months  will continue to show a complete erosion of women support for Margo Davidson's campaign; her hostile votes to close abortion clinics and drain money from public schools have alienated progressive women in the 164th and has resulted in a surge of support for Billy Smith from progressive women's organizations who recognize his unequivocal commitment to women's rights. 

Ian Thomas Runs in 168th

Ian Thomas is collecting signatures to be the Democratic candidate for the 168th state house district (Upper Providence, Media, Chester Heights, Newtown Twp, Middletown Twp, Edgmont Twp, Thornbury Twp, and part of Marple Twp).

Ian’s bio, from the inbox:

Ian Thomas takes pride in healing. Through hisdegree in Biology (2004 - Cum Laude) from Rollins College, he has sought tounderstand how to heal our ecosystem during his work in an Ecology Lab studyinginvasive species at the USDA in Fort Lauderdale and ourselves in a Genetics Labat the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia, PA. Realizing his passion for connecting with people more directly, Ian has moved forward to heal our bodies through massage (Healing Hands Massage) and the educational wounds that keep students from learning as he tutored at Delaware County Community College.   

             As Ian engaged in studies towards a master’s degree in secondary education toteach Biology, he became more aware of the structural damages that exist in oureducational system. This has driven him to run for office again. Ian is stillcommitted to the progressive issues with which he ran on in his 2008 election,which focused on Single Payer Healthcare, Living Wage and a SustainableEnvironment. Once elected to represent us in Harrisburg, Ian’s studies ofNonviolent Communication and Restorative Practices will aid him in healingPennsylvania.

Democratic Candidate for 7th Congressional District

At the Delaware County Democratic Convention, Mary Ellen Balchunis was endorsed for the 7th congressional district, to challenge Rep. Pat Meehan.  I haven't been able to find any other mentions of her candidacy.  Balchunis is a political science professor at LaSalle University.

Krueger-Braneky Announces State House Race

from the inbox:

Swarthmore businesswoman Leanne Krueger-Braneky on Tuesday formally announced her candidacy for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 161st Legislative District. Krueger-Braneky, Director of Fellowship and Alumni for the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), is a nationally renowned economic development professional who specializes in socially responsible business practices. In announcing her first bid for public office, Krueger-Braneky cited the need for greater investment in public education, job creation and support for small and locally-owned businesses.

 "The residents of the 161^st District are being hurt by the policies of Governor Corbett and the Republicans in Harrisburg,” the 37-year-old Krueger-Braneky said. “Our current elected officials are failing us. We need new leadership to ensure a fair, sustainable public education funding formula and real support for local business in order to create jobs and make our economy work for the people of Delaware County and the rest of the Commonwealth.” 

Leanne has received national attention for her work in economic development, advising the White House Business Council on the needs of local businesses.  For eight years, Leanne served as the first Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN), creating a 500-plus member business organization working to build a just, green, and thriving economy in the Southeast Pennsylvania five-county region. Leanne’s efforts to reshape economic development practices were recognized when SBN was named Regional Economic Development Program of the Year by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission in 2011.

 “As a parent, I want the same thing for my son that everyone wants – good schools and a safe and healthy environment.  Governor Corbett and the House Republicans have cut millions from public education while handing out tax breaks to large, out-of-state corporations. Delaware County has the highest asthma hospitalization rate among the four counties outside of Philadelphia while the State has gutted environmental protection over the last three years.  I will make sure Harrisburg fights for our children’s future instead of helping make millionaires richer.”

 Leanne holds an MBA from Eastern University and a Bachelor’s from Rutgers University.  She is also a BALLE Local Economy Fellow, a Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program and a 2009 Pennsylvania Fellow of the Center for Progressive Leadership.  Among the honors and recognitions she has received are: 40 Under 40 by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council; Next Generation of Leadership Rising Stars; and the Green Power Award from Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future.  Leanne lives in Swarthmore, PA, with her two-year-old son Wendell and husband David Braneky and is a proud member of the Swarthmore Co-Op.

 The 161^st Legislative District includes Aston, Brookhaven, Nether Providence, parts of Ridley, Rose Valley, Rutledge, part of Springfield and Swarthmore.

Jed Grobstein Runs for 157th

from the inbox:

Jed Grobstein today announced his bid for the Democratic nomination to the State House in the Pennsylvania 157th, saying “Warren Kampf has taken our residents for granted for far too long. Pennsylvania needs smart, proactive leadership in Harrisburg, and not just a gaggle of Corbett yes-men. As a teacher in the South Bronx, I learned how to listen, how to be a problem-solver, and how to bring people together, and I think we need more of that in Harrisburg.”  

Grobstein’s campaign, Jed for PA House, filed its 2013 annual report showing that it had raised more than $40,000 in just eight weeks. The campaign also reported having more than $51,000 on hand.

Grobstein noted that Warren Kampf “has worked with Gov. Corbett to cut $1 billion from education, and to make it more difficult for mothers to receive the health care they need. He unconditionally refused to support a bipartisan transportation bill and attempted to deny funding to critical transportation infrastructure, bridges, highways and our own Paoli Transportation Center.”

Grobstein served as a math teacher and a Democratic organizer, and he is proud to be running for office less than a mile from his childhood home. While teaching math in the South Bronx, Grobstein worked as the chairman of his department and founded the advocacy organization ‘Keep Our Schools Alive’ to encourage parents, students and teachers to participate in their school’s governance. 

A graduate of Conestoga High School in Berwyn and Pomona College in Los Angeles, Grobstein received his Masters in Education from City College in New York. Teaching in the South Bronx, Grobstein served as chair of his Math Department and worked to develop new curriculum for the classroom while integrating assessment and instruction. 

When New York City began closing high schools in 2009, Grobstein organized and founded ‘Keep Our Schools Alive’ (KOSA) to encourage stakeholders, parents, students and teachers, to participate in the city’s decision-making process. KOSA argued that the school closings were arbitrary and that the city had failed to engage essential stakeholders. The State Supreme Court agreed, and in 2010 it reversed the city’s decision, saying that the Department of Education had failed to gather sufficient community input.

Grobstein returned to Pennsylvania at the end of 2010 to pursue a career in the United States Marine Corps. When a shoulder injury prevented him from enlisting, Jed accepted a staff position with Organizing for America on President Obama’s re-election campaign. Following that election Jed served as campaign manager for Delaware County’s Democratic slate and produced historic gains in a county long known for its Republican dominance. 

Please visit www.JedforPAhouse.com for more information.

Delco Dems Report Election Victories

David Landau, Chair of the Delaware County Democrats, sent out a post-election email.  Here is one paragraph, where he spells out Democratic victories in the county:

In Upper Darby, in an historic victory, we won the 5th and 7th ward council races, an at large council race, and three of the four school board candidates.  In Sharon Hill we won the majority on council and the mayoral race, Morton now has an elected Democratic majority and in Ridley Park, Democrats won a seat on Borough Council. In Chester, we took a majority on the Chester Upland School Board.  The Southeast Delco School Board is now under Democraticcontrol. We won new seats in Chester Township. We continue to maintain control in Radnor, Media, Swarthmore, Lansdowne, East Lansdowne, Yeadon, Darby, Darby Township, Folcroft and Chester. 

Delco Times Endorses Democratic Candidates

The Delaware County Times has published it's endorsements for the Court of Common Pleas and the county row offices.  They like several of the candidates for Court of Common Pleas but especially favor Steve Chanenson (D).  For sheriff they prefer Mary McFall Hopper (R).  For Registrar of Wills Frank Daly (D).  For Controller David Boonin (D).  Read the editorial for the reasons behind their endorsements.

Delco Updates

Now that Delaware County Democrats have the advantage in voter registrations they are starting to get some attention, or rather some of the electoral races are.  PoliticsPA has named the Delaware County Council race as the 3rd most interesting race in the state in 2013.

The downballot races are interesting, too.  In Upper Darby, two Democrats are running for Township Council At Large seats.  Barbarann Keffer and Matt Silva are the candidates in question.  Keffer is a former professional basketball player, who now coaches youth teams.  Silva is an aerial lift and heavy equipment  mechanic.  Both have been active in their community.