June 2007 Vol. 1, No. 1 Montgomery County Democrats The Newsletter of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee Damsker, Hoeffel and Row Office Candidates Celebrate Primary Win Plymouth Township, May 15. Candidates Joe Hoeffel and Ruth Damsker marked their unopposed victory in Tuesday s Primary Election before friends, party officials, committee people, and other candidates with encouraging words of victory in November s General Election. Both candidates received a total of 56,145 votes in their unopposed bid for the party s nomination to win control of the offices of county commissioners. After the polls had closed, Ruth and Joe, along with many of the candidates for county offices gathered at the AFSCME Building on 3031 Walton Road, Plymouth Meeting, where they met and talked with friends and party members about the day s events. Included in those discussions was the observation of the beautiful spring weather for the Primary. Continued on page 2
Montgomery County Democratic Committee June 2007 page 2 Continued from page 1 Also nominated for the Democratic Party s ballot were Peter Amuso for District Attorney (receiving 27,665 votes), Kelbin Carolina for County Treasurer (27,391), Ed Cheri for Sheriff (27,515), Ann Thornburg Weiss for Clerk of the Courts (26,855), Diane Morgan for Controller (27,446), Mark Levy for Prothonotary (28,445), Walter Hoffman for Coroner (27,367), Linda Hee for Recorder of Deeds (26,574), and D. Bruce Hanes for Register of Wills (26,880). Marcel Groen, Montgomery County Party chairman, spoke to those assembled that evening and after congratulating the candidates reminded his listeners of the importance of Montgomery County to the Democratic Party in the state and nation. Marcel Groen, Chairman Chairman s Corner By Marcel Groen Chairman, Montgomery County Democratic Committee Everyone Put Their Oars in the Water This time next year Joe Hoeffel and Ruth Damsker could be leading the first Democratic administration in Montgomery County since President U.S. Grant was in office. Working with minority commissioner Bruce Castor or Jim Matthews, Joe and Ruth would be making Montgomery County a leader in governmental transparency, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, revitalization of our older communities and the delivery of necessary social services. It is not only possible, it is probable. First of all, we have the strongest ticket we have ever had with Joe and Ruth leading it. Two proven vote getters. Two experienced county commissioners. The Republicans have a shotgun ticket with neither candidate reportedly liking or trusting the other. The national mood is favoring Democrats all across the country with voters wanting a change. Our latest poll shows Joe and Ruth winning the majority, if the election was held today. The election is five months away, however, and there is much work to be done. This election will not be won unless everyone does their part. This is not an election where any of us can allow the other person to do the work. Money will be critical for Joe and Ruth to get their reform message out. If you can write a check, for any amount, please do. Their goal is $1 million. It sounds daunting, but with everyone s help they can raise at least that much. If you are a committee person, you must begin working now to register voters and get them to the polls on election day. This election will be won or lost on voter turnout. Please help ensure a large Democratic turnout on November 6. If you can volunteer some time to the campaign, there is much work to be done, and encourage that student that might be home for the summer to pitch in. He or she will be able to say they had a hand in making political history in 2007 in Montgomery County. Winning the majority in the Montgomery County Courthouse means much more than controlling the county government. Continued on page 8 At the MCDC Primary celebration held in Plymouth Meeting at the AFSCME Building, Marcel Groen and Bridget Lafferty review vote totals of the candidates.
Montgomery County Democratic Committee June 2007 page 3 POLL: DAMSKER & HOEFFEL LEAD MONTCO COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACE Norristown, May 21. Democratic candidates Ruth Damsker and Joseph Hoeffel are currently running first and third in the four-way match-up for Montgomery County Commissioner, and are poised to seize the majority on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, according to a poll conducted by the Washington, DC, firm of Bennett, Petts & Normington. Hoeffel leads the trial heat match-up with 49 percent of the vote. Damsker is currently third with 30 percent, four points ahead of fellow incumbent James Matthews. District Attorney Bruce Castor, who is running for county commissioner, ran second in the poll with 42 percent of the vote. After voters were given positive messages about both the Republican and Democratic tickets, the Democrats strengthened their position considerably. Hoeffel garnered 54 percent of the vote, Castor received 46 percent, while Damsker got 38 percent, and Matthews trailed with 31 percent. The telephone survey was conducted among 500 likely voters on May 9, 10, and 14. The sampling error for the poll is plus or minus 4.4 percent. This is clear evidence that Ruth Damsker s and Joe Hoeffel s message of an open, transparent and visionary county government is resonating throughout the county, said Jim Maza, co-chair of the Damsker-Hoeffel campaign. The voters in this county want a change from politics as usual, said Joanne Olszewski, co-chair of the campaign. The voters want their county commissioners to fight for them, not with each other over power and money. Olszewski pointed to one of the most striking results of the poll as evidence. In the poll, nearly half of all voters (48 percent) said they would like to see the Democrats win a majority on the board of commissioners. Only a third (33 percent), said they would like to see the Republicans in the majority. In response to another question, only 36 percent of the respondents said the Republicans have done a good job managing the county and deserved to be elected, while 53 percent believe the Republicans have been in power too long, and it is time to give the Democrats a chance. Commissioner Candidates Debate at Penn State Abington Abington, 23 May. Joe Hoeffel and Ruth Damsker debated their Republican rivals at the Penn State Abington campus in a forum sponsored by the Rydal Meadowbrook Civic Association. The well-attended event was moderated by Larry Kane, and among those present were Democratic candidates Kelbin Carolina, Peter Amuso, and Mark Levy. (l-r) Democratic Candidates Joe Hoeffel and Ruth Damsker; Republican Candidates Jim Matthews and Bruce Castor; and debate moderator Larry Kane. During the debate, Joe called for open and honest government and for an end to the closed shop that has characterized county government for nearly 100 years under Republican rule. Both he and Ruth promoted a uniform and transparent process for awarding contracts, as well as the hiring of an inspector general (who would be responsible for monitoring all expenditures to prevent fraud or waste) and of a chief financial officer (who would be responsible for assuring accountability and efficiency in county government). Moreover, Joe and Ruth pledged no tax increase in 2008 and a review of all of the county s expenditures in order to reduce taxes over the following four years.
Montgomery County Democratic Committee June 2007 page 4 Democratic Mayor Connie Peck at the Trappe Borough Hall (Trappe Borough). Democrat Mike Swavely at the First Church of the Brethren in Pottstown. (Pottstown 3-1). Democratic Committeewoman Janine Herring at the Collegeville Borough Hall (Collegeville). Democratic Committeeman Robert Stewart at Paul V. Fly Elementary School in Norristown (East Norriton 1-3) Democratic Committeeman George Carlisle in Harleysville at the Indian Valley Middle School (Lower Salford-2). Committeeman Jody Rhoads (r), the Democratic candidate for Pottstown Town Council, shakes hands with constituents and long time East End residents Linda Lou and Bernie Nichols (Pottstown-6). Democratic Committeewoman Eileen Stephenson with Co-Area 14 Leader and Committeewoman Shelly Waldman at St. Dunstan s Episcopal Church in Blue Bell (Whitpain-7). Democrat Sahim Wallace at Eisenhower Middle School in Norristown, helping Committeewoman Linda Christian (not pictured) work the polls (Norristown 3-1).
Montgomery County Democratic Committee June 2007 page 5 Norristown Democrat Lewis Thomas at the Montgomery County Human Services Center (Norristown 4-2). Paula Evans (center), Democratic candidate for Whitpain Township Supervisor, with her husband Michael Evans (l) and daughter Tory Evans. Also pictured is MCDC Committeeman Herman Ehret (Whitpain-3). Ed Wanish, Democratic candidate for Lower Pottsgrove Commissioner (Lower Pottsgrove-3). Bob Sloss, Democratic candidate for Upper Pottsgrove Township Commissioner, in Upper Pottsgrove. New Hanover Democrat Charles Comparetto supporting John Nailon, Democratic candidate for District Justice, in Gilbertsville (New Hanover-2). Jennifer Dow, Democratic candidate for Plymouth Township Council, places a sign at the Plymouth Community Ambulance Building (Plymouth 2-1). MCDC Committeepersons Peggy Cline and Leon Shore with Democratic Constable Bunny Shore in Abington 13-3.
Montgomery County Democratic Committee June 2007 page 6 (l-r) Democratic Committeeman Steve Lee, Democrat Barbara Traitz, and Democratic Committeeman and candidate for Township Supervisor Bert Van Anglen at the Gilbertsville Fire and Rescue Company (Douglass-3/Douglass-4). County Commissioner Candidates Ruth Damsker and Joe Hoeffel on the campaign trail handing out literature and talking with a voter. Democratic Committeeman Bill Ridenhour at Shady Grove Elementary School in Ambler (Whitpain-4). Lower Merion, 6 May. At Bala Golf Course in Philadelphia, the Lower Merion & Narberth Democratic Committee celebrated its annual Spring Dinner and honored retiring Lower Merion Township Commissioner Joseph Manko. A leading Democrat and township commissioner for more than two decades, Manko was applauded by local party members, guests, and friends including Governor Ed Rendell, who made a surprise appearance at the event. Democrats Pledge to Win County Conshohocken, 29 April. More than 75 people turned out to the Damsker-Hoeffel kick-off event hosted by MCDC Chairman Marcel Groen at the Spring Mill Banquet Hall in Conshohocken. Speakers at the event included Marcel and MCDC First Vice Chair, Montgomery County Jury Commissioner, and Democratic State Committee Member Joanne Olszewski. Candidates Ruth Damsker and Joe Hoeffel also spoke. Five days later at a This is only the beginning of what is going to be the strongest, most unified commissioner campaign this county has ever seen, asserted Hoeffel. N o r r i s t o w n P r e s s Conference Joe and Ruth announced they had raised $150,000 toward their campaign. This initial filing proves, said Ruth, that Joe and I are going to be able to mount an extremely competitive campaign against the Republicans, and will help ensure that we are able to get our reform message out to the voters of Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Democratic Committee June 2007 page 7 Left (clockwise): Register of Wills candidate D. Bruce Hanes, with County Commissioner Ruth Damsker and candidate Joe Hoeffel; Prothonotary candidate Mark Levy; Clerk of Courts candidate Ann Weiss with her son John Weiss, Jr.; Sheriff candidate Ed Cheri. Other Row Candidates not pictured: Diane Morgan for Controller; Walter Hoffman for Coroner; Peter Amuso for District Attorney; Linda Hee for Recorder of Deeds; and Kelbin Carolina for Treasurer. Upcoming Events Wednesday, 27 June, 7pm: Renee and Herb Cohen Cordially Invite You to a Dessert Reception for Diane Morgan Candidate for Montgomery County Controller at The Manor House at Whitpain Farm, One Farm Road, Blue Bell. Invited guests include Ruth Damsker and Joe Hoeffel, Candidates for Montgomery County Commissioner. Requested Contribution: Sponsor $250, Supporter $125, Friend $75. Make Donations to: Friends of Diane Morgan, PO Box 677, Ambler PA 19002, RSVP: Renee Cohen reneec409@yahoo.com or 215-646-2329. Tuesday, 17 July: MCDC Annual Golf Outing at the JC Melrose County Club, 7600 Tookany Creek Parkway in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. Call MCDC, 610-272-2000 for more information. You can contribute to the newsletter by emailing your current news, announcements, upcoming events, and pictures to mcdcnews@gmail.com Wyndmoor, 28 May. District Attorney Candidate Peter Amuso celebrated Memorial Day with fellow veterans. Amuso, an Army veteran of the Kosovo Campaign and a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7919 in Springfield Township, carried the American flag in the Annual Memorial Day Parade as a member of the Post s Honor Guard.
Montgomery County Democratic Committee June 2007 page 8 Continued from page 2 The tangible and symbolic results of winning will help make Pennsylvania a true blue state and help ensure the election of more Democratic legislators, members of Congress, governors and, yes, presidents. If you aren t convinced about the seismic shift in county and state politics that a Democratic victory would produce, here is what nationally-known political scientist Terry Madonna recently wrote: This year, the elections in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties have huge implications for the political future of Pennsylvania; this year what happens in the suburbs matters far beyond the suburbs. Why is that the case? The answer is rooted in Pennsylvania s tradition of strong local political parties. The party that controls county government is usually able to translate that control into electoral success beyond local offices. To rule a county government often means that the party will probably be successful in state and federal elections as well. That matters this year because, for the first time in decades, the Philly suburbs are up for grabs. One or more of the counties seem poised to jump parties-- from the Republicans to the Democrats. The consequences of this are enormous for the balance of power in state politics. For decades, support from these suburban Philadelphia counties has been crucial for GOP success statewide. To control the State, Republicans needed the suburbs. But beginning in the 1990 s, the suburbs began to tilt toward the Democrats in some very important elections. Madonna went on to say: In particular, three consequences are likely if the trend to Democrats continues in the suburbs. 1. The Philadelphia suburbs, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties, will become the new key to political power in the Keystone State. Neither political party will be able to win a statewide election without substantial support from them. 2. Pennsylvania s traditional role as a competitive two party state increasingly will be weakened with further Democratic gains in the suburbs. Particularly in danger could be the state s much vaunted eight year cycle that has regularly allocated the governorship to alternating Democratic or Republican candidates every eight years for a half a century. Without the suburbs, the state GOP cannot hope to win gubernatorial office on a regular basis. 3. The loss of the suburbs by the Republican Party would likely mean that Pennsylvania s critical role as a swing state in presidential elections would end abruptly. With the Philadelphia suburbs gone, national GOP candidates could not hope to win Pennsylvania, and the State would likely go the way of other northeastern states-- dark blue on political maps and solid for Democrats. So, improbably enough a handful of local races in an off year election may shape the course of state politics for some time. Should one or more of the Philly suburban counties go Democratic this year, it will portend bleak prospects for Republican hopes in future state and national elections. All eyes are on Montgomery County. State and national political leaders are aware of the importance of this election. Let s get to work. Supreme Court Debra Todd* - 514,130-35.7% Seamus McCaffrey* - 451,583-31.3% Darnell Jones - 260,103-18% Willis Berry, Jr. - 215,280-14.9% *denotes winner State-wide Democratic Primary Results Superior Court Christine Donahue* - 395,449-25.7% Ron Folino* - 262,974-18% Ann Lazarus - 254,495-17.4% Timothy McCormick - 253,659-17.4% John Milton Younge - 123,984-8.5% James DeLeon - 87,294-6%