Montgomery County Democrats

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1 August 2010 Vol. 4, No. 4 Montgomery County Democrats The Newsletter of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee President Clinton Stumps for Onorato At the podium Gubernatorial Candidate Dan Onorato addresses the crowd gathered at the Convention Center. Pictured with him at his left (l r) his wife Shelly, his oldest daughter Kate, and President Bill Clinton. Photo credit: Rebecca Clifton Philadelphia, 10 August. A large crowd of Onorato supporters gathered at the Convention Center in Philadelphia to hear Gubernatorial Candidate Dan Onorato at an event headlined by President Bill Clinton. Clinton had earlier in the day stopped in Scranton and Bethlehem for fundraisers for United States Senatorial Candidate Joe Sestak and 15th Congressional District Candidate John Callahan, respectively. Of the event, Onorato noted, We re excited about it. It s a continuation of my fundraising effort so that we can compete and get our message out throughout the fall. Attendees enjoyed a nice meal and cocktails earlier in the evening, and although Clinton arrived late to the Onorato event, supporters were excited to hear his enthusiastic support for Onorato and the Onorato continued on page 2 Golfers Enjoy a Full Day at Annual MCDC Golf Outing Ambler, 2 August. The Montgomery County Democratic Committee hosted a full day of golf for its 14th Annual Outing. Weather was excellent, cooler than the oppressive month of July, and an impromptu short rain shower towards the end of the day brought everyone in to enjoy cocktails and dinner. The venue again was the gorgeous Talamore Country Club, and golfers were both challenged by the course and impressed with its tee locations and beautiful vistas. Morning golfers had their run of the course to work on their game and enjoy the beverage stations. After the golfers enjoyed a satisfying continental breakfast and hit some balls on the range, Chairman Marcel Groen sent off the 11 morning foursomes at 7:30 am. The second group began arriving at noon for registration and enjoyed a buffet lunch with the morning groups. After spending some time on the range and putting greens, the 28 afternoon foursomes took to the course. Many golfers tried their luck at the putting contest during the morning and afternoon rounds, and Representative Rick Taylor, one of few who made the tough shot, was the winner in the evening drawing. Golf continued on page 3

2 Montgomery County Democratic Committee August 2010 page 2 Onorato continued from page 1 Democratic slate. MCDC Chairman Marcel Groen and First Vice Chair Joanne Olszewski attended the event, as well as numerous Montgomery County elected officials. For more information about the Onorato campaign, visit To get involved with the Coordinated Campaign in Montgomery County, please or call George Farrell at farrellg@dnc.org; Chairman s Corner By Marcel Groen, Chairman Montgomery County Democratic Committee As summer comes to a close and we head into the fall electoral season, I d like to take a moment to look back over a very productive Below, (l r) MCDC Chairman Marcel Groen, State Treasurer Rob McCord, State Vice Chair and State Committee Member Penny Gerber. Photo Credit: Rebecca Clifton summer and forward to an incredibly important two months facing us. Our candidates and their campaign volunteers have been working hard all summer, and our local areas have been busy holding fundraisers and laying the groundwork for a successful fall campaign. MCDC held its most successful golf outing to date in early August, and there are many people to thank. First I would like to thank Sean Kilkenny, Nate Murawsky and their committee for an outstanding job in putting everything together at Talamore Country Club, a first class venue. I would also like to thank our executive director Dianna DiIllio and her team of interns for making sure everything ran smoothly leading up to and during the event. Many thanks also to all of those who contributed to making this a spectacular outing by golfing or by sponsoring holes, golf balls, and giveaways. A significant appreciation is also due to our friends in labor. Their continued support of our efforts to stand with working men and women throughout the country and, particularly in Montgomery County, is greatly appreciated. Looking ahead, Montgomery County once again will be an incredibly important county in the 2010 election cycle. I believe, and many others concur, that Montgomery County will have a significant role in the gubernatorial and senatorial campaigns. Moreover, the election of our legislative candidates will be critical if the Democrats are to maintain control of the state House. To that end, MCDC is putting together a major effort to assist the coordinated campaign this fall. Our offices will be used by coordinated campaign staffers, and local committees and candidates throughout the county will be sharing offices with the coordinated campaign. (A list is located on page 11 of this newsletter.) So much depends on our performance in this election. Of our priorities, not the least of which is the amount of influence Democrats will have in the legislative and congressional redistricting that will begin next year and go into effect in Let s get to work. There is much to do. Join us on September 24 and 25 at the Radisson Valley Forge for the Pennsylvania State Committee Meeting.

3 Montgomery County Democratic Committee August 2010 page 3 Golf continued from page 1 The winning foursome was Neil Model, Rick Turner, Ed Scull, and Patrick Guise, sponsored by Model Consulting, and the second place team was Tom Tosti, John Later, George Showers, and Ray Hertzog, sponsored by AFSCME 88. The most honest group was Scott Brown, Tom Landauer, Jack Hansen, and Murray Kalich, sponsored by T&M Associates. Steve McCarter won closest to the pin and the longest drive winners were BJ Medlar among the ladies and John Stepanick among the men. Thanks to Talamore Country Club, MCDC raffled three Tier III Memberships, which were won by Kevin Spearing, BJ Medlar, and Fran Clark. The dinner was well attended by committee persons, elected officials, State Committee members, and candidates. Diners enjoyed the fabulous buffet Italian style meal and our sponsor slideshow. After Chairman Groen thanked everyone and announced the winners, State Treasurer Rob McCord spoke briefly, regaling the crowd with stories of Chelsea Clinton s wedding, which took place the weekend before the outing. Thank you again to all of our sponsors, golfers, and dinner attendees for making our 2010 Golf Outing a success. Golf outing photo credits MCDC Interns: Cate Schurz, Elliah Heifetz, Rebecca Clifton, and Dave Maltz. The PSEA group prepares to head out onto the course during the morning round. (l r) Betsy Kilkenny, Fran Clark, and Sean Kilkenny. (l r) Andrew Louden, Graham Laub, Gino Benedetti, and Eric Fulmer. The winning team enjoys the beverage cart during the afternoon session. (l r) Ed Scull, Neil Model, Rick Turner, MCDC intern Cate Schurz, and Pat Guise.

4 Montgomery County Democratic Committee August 2010 page 4 12th State Senate Candidate Ruth Damsker practices her putt. 61st State House Candidate Mary Lou Readinger and Bob Wegbreit. (l r) George Voegele, John Cavalier, Dave Walton, and Mark Foley. (l r) State Representative Matt Bradford, Leslie Richards, and Frank Custer. 6h Congressional District Candidate Manan Trivedi and State Party Vice Chair Penny Gerber. (l r) Mike Getzfread, Fran McLaughlin, Frank Watton, and Chuck Green. On left, Hally Ammons and Aren Platt.

5 Montgomery County Democratic Committee August 2010 page 5 (l r) Al Hasara, Gus Araujo, John Rorick, and Jim Egolf. (l r) Jason Salus, Chairman Marcel Groen, and Frank Custer. (l r) Committee person Jeff Albert, candidate for the 152nd House District Bob McGuckin, and Upper Dublin Committee person Betsy Parziale. (l r) Darby Doyle, George Pegram, Steve Keenan, and Tom Golden. (l r) John Marks, Steve Lutz, Tom Leach, and Larry Mengel. Ed Rosenbaum tries his hand at the putting contest. (l r) Olivia Brady and Linda Hee.

6 Montgomery County Democratic Committee August 2010 page 6 On the campaign trail with Senatorial candidate, Congressman Joe Sestak, at the home of David Broida (Lower Merion Township Committee person, 10 1) in Haverford, Lower Merion Township, 15 August. The congressman addressed about 150 supporters on the front lawn of David s home, where he declared, Change requires more than one vote, in reference to President Obama s victory in 2008 and the upcoming election. (l r) Martin and Susan Weinberg with State Senatorial candidate (12th) Ruth Damsker at the Sestak rally. (l r) Area 13 Co chair Bill Leopold with Lower Merion Committee person Paula Cramer (12 1), and Dan Loeb. Congressman Sestak speaks to the crowd. (l r) State Representative Rick Taylor (151st), with Rob and Anne Duff. Get involved with Congressman Joe Sestak s campaign for United States Senate. Contact one of the Montgomery County Campaign Offices today! Main office (Media, PA): Yorktown Plaza Elkins Park, PA 55 Rittenhouse Place Ardmore, PA 3031 Walton Road, Bldg. A Plymouth Meeting, PA

7 Montgomery County Democratic Committee August 2010 page 7 At the 4th of July Parade in Pottstown Dan Weand, Sixth Congressional District candidate Manan Trivedi, and Area 1 Leader Jim Prendergast. Photo credit: Trivedi Campaign Prior to the 4th of July Glenside Parade, State Representative Josh Shapiro (red striped polo shirt; right of center), and (far right) Gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato and Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel assemble with a large group of local supporters and their families. Photo credit: JoshShapiro.org

8 Montgomery County Democratic Committee August 2010 page 8 12th District State Senate candidate Ruth Damsker and Gubernatorial Candidate Dan Onorato at the Southampton (Bucks County) 4th of July Parade. Photo credit: Marjorie Berlinghof At the Pottstown 4th of July Parade, a large group of Trivedi supporters with Manan Trivedi, candidate for the 6th Congressional District, and Mark Painter (third from left), candidate for the 146th State House District. Photo credit: Trivedi Campaign State Representative Tim Briggs (149th) presents a state flag to Upper Merion Township Parks & Recreation Director Dan Russell at Upper Merion s 4th of July Celebration. Lower Merion Committee person David Dormont and 194th District State Representative Candidate Pam DiLissio at a 4th of July Parade. Photo credit: Jody Marcel State Senator Daylin Leach addressing the crowd at Upper Merion s 4th of July Celebration. Photo credit: Sarah Charles

9 Montgomery County Democratic Committee August 2010 page 9 At a 4th of July Parade, Lower Merion Commissioner George Manos and Lower Merion Committee person Dave Rosenbaum. Photo credit: Jody Marcel In back, Jen Leach, State Senator Daylin Leach (17th) with retiring State Representative Kathy Manderino (194th), and in front, Justin and Brennan Leach at a 4th of July Parade. Photo credit: Jody Marcel Montgomery County Young Democrats Get Active King of Prussia, 7 August. The revitalized Montgomery County Young Democrats (MCYD) held a membership drive picnic on a recent Saturday afternoon. Young Dems from across the county enjoyed barbequed food, raised a few dollars, and spent a pleasant afternoon in the company of likeminded young individuals. Manan Trivedi, candidate for the 6th Congressional and Matt Stehman, candidate for the 44th (l r) MCYD Vice Chair John Fennell, 6th Congressional candidate Manan Trivedi, and 44th State Senate candidate Matt Stehman. Photo credit: Kelly Devine State Senate, attended the event. As the fall campaign season heats up, the MCYDs are participating in PA Vote 2010 with the Coordinated Campaign. Their first event will be a phone bank on Wednesday, 1 September at 5pm, at MCDC Headquarters, 21 East Airy Street in Norristown. The Young Dems hold their monthly meetings at Houlihan s in Plymouth Meeting on the third Thursday of each month, right before the MCDC Executive Committee Meeting. To be a member of the Young Democrats you must be a registered Democrat who is age 35 and under, although Democrats of all ages are welcome to attend the the MCYD events and meetings. For more information, contact MCYD co chairs Kelly Devine (kellyldevine@gmail.com) or Vince Gillen (vincegillen@gmail.com).

10 Montgomery County Democratic Committee August 2010 page 10 Plymouth Meeting, 15 July. Instead of its usual Executive Committee Meeting, MCDC hosted a Leadership Meeting in July to welcome new Area Leaders, State Committee Members, Municipal Chairs, and Executive Committee members. A modest meal of pizza and refreshments was served to the attendees, who received handouts and information about their new leadership positions. Chairman Marcel Groen addressed the group, stressing their role as leaders of the organization and how their example motivates committee people and helps local candidates. Jason Salus, Steve McCarter, Michael Barbiero, Caren Moskowitz, and Greg Holt also were presenters at the meeting. The event was moderated by Frank Custer, MCDC Consultant. Look for MCDC to host more informational sessions in the fall. Upper Dublin, 24 July. On a recent Saturday afternoon, the Upper Dublin Democratic Committee held a voter registration drive in the North Hills Area of the township. On one of the hottest days of the year, the volunteers stationed themselves outside the local swim club to talk to potential voters about the upcoming midterm elections. They were impressed with how many people expressed their support for President Barack Obama, and also noted that many folks will vote for Democratic candidates this fall to help push the President s agenda. They spoke to many registered voters and also registered new voters, at least five of whom were recent high school graduates. Pictured below, (l r) Marjorie Berlinghof, Sherry Rivers, and Betsy Parziale. Photo credit: Betsy Parziale Pictured above, Frank Custer speaks to the assembled group. Ambler, 21 August. A large group of supporters attended State Representative Rick Taylor s Rockin Office Launch and BBQ at the campaign headquarters located at 12 E. Butler Avenue in Ambler. Everyone enjoyed charcoal grilled barbequed food, toured the office, and hit the streets for a canvassing event. MCDC 1st Vice Chair Joanne Olszewski was in attendance, as well as 12th District State Senate Candidate Ruth Damsker. Contact Taylor s campaign office at to get involved! Pictured left: Taylor s campaign manager, Adam Eitman, instructs a portion of the group on the afternoon canvass. Photo credit: Rick Taylor on facebook

11 Montgomery County Democratic Committee August 2010 page 11 Conshohocken, 29 July. The Colonial Democratic Committee recently held its 4th Annual Family and Friends Picnic at the Conshohocken Bocce Club. The committee uses the event to attract new members and reach out to fellow Democrats in the community. About 75 people gathered at the club where they were treated to live music and a visit by local representatives and candidates. Photo credits: Jason Salus Pictured Below (l r), County Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes and County Prothonotary Mark Levy. The large crowd at the Colonial Democratic Picnic. SAVE THE DATE! MCDC 2010 FALL DINNER Sunday, October 10, 2010 Montgomery County Democratic Office Locations Fall 2010 Abington Democrats and Rep. Josh Shapiro (153rd) 1917 Guernsey Avenue Abington, PA Rep. Mike Gerber Candidate for the 148 th State House 529 Fayette Street Conshohocken, PA Lower Merion and Narberth Dems and Manan Trivedi 14 W. Lancaster Avenue Ardmore, PA Jill Stein or Bill Leopold Springfield, Jenkintown, and Cheltenham Democrats 926 Bethlehem Pike Springfield Township Penny Cutler Mary Lou Readinger, Candidate for the 61 st State House 104 S. Main Street North Wales, PA Rep. Matt Bradford, Candidate for the 70 th House 3401 Skippack Pike, Building F Cedars PA Mark Painter, Candidate for the 146 th State House 244 East High Street Pottstown, PA Andrea Baptiste, Candidate for the 150 th State House 486 East Main Street Collegeville, PA Rep. Rick Taylor, Candidate for the 151 st State House 12 East Butler Street Ambler, PA Ruth Damsker, Candidate for the 12 th State Senate Regency Towers 1001 Easton Rd., Suite 107 Willow Grove, PA Bill Wallace, Candidate for the 24 th State Senate The Business Center 650 N. Cannon Ave, Room 32 Lansdale, PA