This just in...a caucus of ward leaders was held today in the 179th legislative districts to decide who to endorse in the 179th state house legislative district. The way a party endorsement works in a state leg district is that the ward leaders vote, and the candidate who ends up with the most divisions wins.
Challenger Guy Lewis has received the party endorsement over incumbent State Representative Tony Payton Jr. There are 55 divisions in the 179th and Lewis won the endorsement, receiving 33 divisions.
How you ask?
- Marge Tartaglione, 62nd ward leader, controls 14 divisons.
- Danny Savage, 23rd ward leader, controls 16 divisions.
- Bill Dolbow, 35th ward leader, controls 3 divisons.
Total = insanity.
No matter how Tony came to be in power, I thought that as an incumbent, he'd be guaranteed a spot. After all, do you remember what Congressman Brady did when some folks organized to run against incumbent committee people in the 30th ward?
He sent this letter to ward leader, Terry Gillen:
March 8, 2006
Dear Terry,
It has come to my attention that there is an organized effort to file petitions to become a Democratic committee person in many wards in the city. It is clear that this effort has been started by forces that seek to polarize and destroy this party. I strongly urge you to oppose their efforts. I suggest that you immediately notify me at City Committee of the divisions where this has occurred. I will have the petition reviewed to determine if it is defective. If it is, I will assist you in filing a petition with the Common Pleas Court to have the person stricken from the ballot on behalf of your designated candidate in that division.We are a family united. As your leader and friend, I will fight to make sure we remain united.
I will also prepare withdrawal slips for these individuals that filed and I will try to have them withdrawn.
Very truly yours,
signed
ROBERT A. BRADY, CHAIRMAN
Democratic County Executive
Committee of Philadelphia
"We are a family united," eh?
Tony has brought over $5 million to his district, offers housing counseling and job services from his office, has made a commitment to improving schools and has been an amazing progressive ally and leader, most notably his bill to make college more affordable for Pennsylvania students.
Tony went to Harrisburg two years ago, without the endorsement of the party, and apparently now he'll have to do it again.
Reading the situation
What is this -- plain and simple payback? Who the heck is Guy Lewis?
Ray: This is pretty simple, really. The Tartagliones and the
Savages want Payton out. He beat them two years ago and it's payback time.
It makes me want to vomit
This makes me sick. What a great message to a young and dynamic legislator. What a great message to the hope of young leadership in the city. I hope or current, Semi-Rockstar Mayor will come out big for Tony. Rockstar Governor Rendell has, but this crap is going to make it tough.
Tony should be helped by a strong turnout in this election.
I'll be logging some time on the doors for Rep. Payton.
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This Too Will Pass, treating grave matters lightly and light matters gravely, since 2001.
Join me on Monday night and stand with Tony.
Tony needs our help. We need to organize for Tony. We need to inlist our friends in the traditional media for Tony. We need to help finance his re-election effort. This is crtically important to our efforts to transform the party. I hope elected leaders in the party -- especially those who have benefited from our brand of Democrats --- stand up for Tony.
We really should rally around him. Tony is having a fundariaser Monday night at the Lowes Hotel (12/market)at 5:30PM. Even if you can give just alittle money....just showing up to stand with Tony would be huge as he takes on this fight. We can't let him fight this alone.
I think Monday night is a great time for all of us to show just how much we'll fight for what we believe in. Just how much we'll stand by those we help elect. Just how much opposition Marge, Danny and the crew will face in April.
****Disclaimer: I support Joe Vignola, Independent Democrat for Pennsylvania State Senate in the First District and am proud to work towards making it happen.****
Thanks, Ray for this info.
Thanks, Ray for this info.
Tony Payton, who is currently a student at Community College of Philadephia, has been an inspiration to our students. His experience proves that young people like them can run for office, can make a difference.
If there is a progressive/ reform moment in this city and it’s worth anything, Tony’s candidacy is a defining moment.
You can access a map of the district here
Those of us who do not live in the district can help with fundraising, GOTV. If anyone is dong any fundraisers for Tony, please post them on this list. I will post them on CCP listserv. The Jan. 28 one is short notice but will post it anyway.