Democrats make endorsements at convention

WEST CHESTER — Chester County Democrats are on the verge of a fourth consecutive year of historic wins as they gathered at Stetson Middle School Tuesday night to endorse their slate for the April 28 Primary. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan accepted the first endorsement of the 15 races on the docket, six of which were contested. Christina Hartman won the 65% endorsement threshold for PA Auditor General from a field of six candidates.

“It’s not a good time to be a Republican in Chester County,” remarked Chester County Democratic Committee Chair Dick Bingham at the end of the smoothly run Convention. Representatives from all corners of Chester County packed the school auditorium with standing-room-only crowds along the corridors.

Endorsed candidates generating 65% or more of ballots cast were:

6th Congressional District: Chrissy Houlahan (Incumbent)

PA Attorney General: Josh Shapiro (Incumbent)

PA Treasurer: Joe Torsella (Incumbent)

PA Auditor General: Christina Hartman

9th District PA Senate: Brett Burman

19th District PA Senate: Don Vymazal

13th District PA Representative: Richard Ruggieri

26th District PA Representative: Paul Friel

74th District PA Representative: Dan Williams (Incumbent)

155th District PA Representative: Danielle Friel Otten (Incumbent)

156th District PA Representative: Carolyn Comitta (Incumbent)

157th District PA Representative: Melissa Shusterman (Incumbent)

158th District PA Representative: Christina Sappey (Incumbent)

160th District PA Representative: Anton Andrew

167th District PA Representative: Kristine Howard (Incumbent)

“The ripple effect for change from one-party rule,” noted Bingham, “began in 2017 when we elected four County Row Officers. In 2018 Chester County voters chose to go “blue” — electing six Democrats of the nine PA state Representative seats and sending the first Democrat to Congress from the 6th District. Everyone knows what happened last year. For the first time, ever, Chester County government turned solid blue from the Commissioners to the many row offices. I am confident 2020 will be another trailblazing year for our county citizens.”

“That enthusiasm will only grow as the Presidential races come to Pennsylvania and to Chester County. We are already seeing an uptick in activity with house parties, rallies and a strong petition signing turnout as our district members run to be Delegates to the summer DNC Convention.”

The difference between registered Chester County Republican voters versus registered Democratic voters has dwindled remarkedly over the last three years, leaving Republicans with a slim 5,000 voter advantage.  This is down from more than 20,000 just a few years ago.

Tuesday, April 28 is the Pennsylvania Primary. The last day for residents to register to vote for the primary is April 13. Mail-in and Absentee ballots are available from Chester County Voter Services. With the new election laws, known as Act 77, taking place this spring, ballots may be returned to Voter Services up until 8 pm on April 28 as polls close.

The General Election is Tuesday, November 3.

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3 Comments

  1. Angelsdontwantmyredshoes says:

    Bless your little GOP hearts. Of course, you do know that the over the last GENERATION, it is Republican presidents who have blown up the deficit, wildly expanded government and it Democrats who have cut it down. And based on the behavior of the Republicans in the US Senate, it’s kind of hard to wrap ones self in the Constitution.

  2. Don says:

    “leaving Republicans with a slim 5,000 voter advantage”

    fellow conservatives, please don’t get dismayed by the recent results. just remember to do your civic duty and get out and VOTE this coming election.

    voter advantage means nothing if you sit at home

    i moved here from a failing blue state, and i don’t want to see that pattern repeat here

    • Nero says:

      Don, I couldn’t agree more. Chester county has been a leader within the phila suburban counties and it did this by controlled fiscal spending, creating great schools, and preserving land and services. Republicans gave us all this and we simply cannot let the democrats bring in more gov, more uncontrolled spending and a complete disregard for the Constitution take over. Take a look at our democratic run cities, let alone counties, they are a disaster.

      So if you don’t like Trump fine, not a issue but vote republican to keep this gem of a county intact

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