New Names on the Ballot

The PA Democratic Party sent this out today:

PENNSYLVANIA -- The Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, after receiving a recommendation from the relevant county democratic committees, voted this week to nominate candidates to fill vacancies on the ballot following the May Primary.

The new Democratic candidates are:

• HD-82 (Franklin, Juniata, and Mifflin counties): Robert Cunningham
• HD-153 (Montgomery County): Ben Sanchez
• HD-175 (Philadelphia County): Mary Isaccson
• HD-187 (Berks and Lehigh counties): Michael Blichar Jr.

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Patton Mills issued the following statement:

“For too long, Republicans in Harrisburg have been pushing policies that hurt Pennsylvanians. That’s why we need more Democrats in Harrisburg who will fight for the values we hold dear. Robert, Ben, Mary, and Michael will stand up for access to health care, workers rights, and well-funded education for all Pennsylvanians. These candidates will be the champions the people of Pennsylvania deserve.”

Executive Director of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee, Nathan Davidson, released the following statement:

“Democrats are running in 180 out of the 203 districts in the State House in 2018, the highest number in a generation. We are thrilled to see these four candidates join our class this year because not only do they showcase the diversity of our state, but because they are running to represent the people of Pennsylvania not the special interests who call the shots in Harrisburg.”

Biographies:

HD-82 (Franklin, Juniata, and Mifflin counties): Robert Cunningham

Robert Cunningham was born and raised in Mifflin County. He’s a graduate of Indian Valley High School, Cabrini University, and the Imperial College in London. He has worked for the YMCA in several areas of Pennsylvania in various capacities, including running a portion of its Annual Giving Campaign. He is a passionate, driven leader, who is running to help Pennsylvania families achieve their very best.

HD-153 (Montgomery County): Ben Sanchez

Ben Sanchez is a lifelong resident of the 153rd Legislative District. He is a graduate of Abington Senior High School, Villanova University and Temple Law. He’s an experienced attorney, a certified public accountant, and an adjunct professor of law at Drexel University. He is also a board member of Jefferson Health and the Inter-Faith Housing Alliance of Montgomery County. He is a proud husband and father to two young daughters.

HD-175 (Philadelphia County): Mary Isaccson

Mary Isaacson will be a fighter to fairly fund Philadelphia’s schools, protect the environment, and reform the redistricting process. She will be a vocal advocate for the LGBT community and a fighter for women’s rights, equal pay, and a safe work environment. Mary was Chief of Staff to Representative Mike O’Brien for twelve years and a member of Democratic State Committee for eight years. Mary and her husband, Chris, live in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, have been married for 18 years, and have two children.

HD-187 (Berks and Lehigh counties): Michael Blichar Jr.

Michael Blichar Jr. is running to help make an effective government that works and to put its focus back on the people of the 187th House District. He is an advocate for LGBT rights as a member of the community, civil rights, voter rights, and education. He serves on the Kutztown Borough Planning Commission, the Berks County Democratic Party, and is a leader with the It’s On Us Campaign. Michael was born in Lehigh County, is a graduate from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, and is a current resident of Kutztown.

 

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J R Rowan in 184th State House Race

from the inbox:

South Philly native Jonathan “JR” Rowan today announced his candidacy for the 184^th state house district following the retirement of Representative Bill Keller.

“Representative Keller has been a reliable advocate for South Philadelphia neighborhoods for 25 years,” said Rowan. “Our communities would not have grown and thrived without his leadership in Harrisburg and I thank Representative Keller for his public service.”

JR is a lifelong resident of South Philadelphia and has served our community for 20 years in the district offices of two state senators. He has also been involved locally as a coach at EOM Athletic Association, youth sports organizer, board member of Victims Witness Services of South Philadelphia, honorary board member of the South Philadelphia Civic Association, and Democratic Executive Committee Representative.

“South Philly needs a fighter with deep ties to the community to fill this seat and hit the ground running,” Rowan continued. “I understand our neighborhoods, and I have decades of experience working to deliver services for South Philly students, working families, and seniors.”

Rowan will have more details on his campaign and platform in the coming weeks, along with a more formal press event to discuss his candidacy.

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.