For the first time ever, Philly For Change, one of the city’s largest progressive political organizations, is endorsing Republicans and a Green. Last Wednesday night the group voted to endorse six candidates in Tuesday’s elections, including Republicans David Oh and Dennis O’Brien, Democrats Bill Green and William Greenlee, all for Council At Large, Republican Al Schmidt for City Commissioner, and Green candidate Cheri Honkala for Sheriff.

Those candidates join the group’s earlier endorsements to form Philly For Change’s slate. Those endorsements include Seventh district Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sanchez, At Large Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown, City Commissioner candidate Stephanie Frank Singer, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court judge candidate Kathryn Boockvar, Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge candidates Barbara McDermott and Carolyn Nichols, and Municipal Court judge candidate Joyce Eubanks along with Mayor Michael Nutter.

“We’re responding to our members and the times,” said Philly For Change Chair David Sternberg. “The reality is that Republicans will hold two At Large seats on City Council and a City Commissioners’ seat, and our members want to choose the best people for those critical positions.”

Philly For Change has a special relationship with Councilwoman Quiñones-Sanchez who enthusiastically advocated for Oh, while members from the Northeast spoke highly of O’Brien. Schmidt convinced members at October meetup that he would bring needed independence to the City Commissioners’ office. Honkala also addressed the group in October. “Her focus on fighting for Philadelphia families who face foreclosure resonated, along with the message of the Occupy movement that is energizing today’s progressive community,” Sternberg said.

Councilman Green has earned much respect for his smart and tireless work on tax reform and is a frequent guest at the group’s monthly meetings. Councilman Greenlee is warmly regarded for his long association with a liberal icon, the late Councilman David Cohen.

“We’re very proud of the whole Philly For Change slate,” Sternberg added.

Philly For Change is a group of reform-minded progressive Democrats. We fight for democracy, social and economic justice for all people, peace, the environment, and the green economy at the city, state, and federal levels.

Philly For Change is the Philadelphia affiliate of Democracy For America.