All County Council District 11 Allegheny County Democratic Committee Members Allowed to Vote For Democratic Nominee

Via ACDC press release:

Allegheny County Democrats Set Date for County Council Special Election

The Allegheny County Democratic Committee has set a date for the special election to select the substitute Democratic nominee and to fill the vacancy in County Council District 11.

The election is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 2 at the Pittsburgh Fire Fighters IAFF Local No.1 Union Hall from 10 AM to 2 PM.

 

Eligible voting members include all chairs, vice chairs, secretaries, treasurers, and elected or appointed committee members in County Council District 11.

 

“After careful consultation with attorneys and members of Allegheny County leadership, I am pleased to announce that we are able to grant voting privileges to all committee members within this district,” said Chairwoman Nancy Patton Mills. “We know this is the most democratic– and most fair - way of conducting this election.”

 

Committee members will be voting on two separate issues. The first vote will be to select the replacement Democratic nominee on the November 3, 2015 ballot for a four-year term on County Council in District 11. The second vote will be to select the nominee to appear on the November 3, 2015 ballot to fill the remainder of the unexpired term in District 11 ending on January 4, 2016. These elections will take place simultaneously.

 

Candidates wishing to seek the Democratic nomination and/or to fill the remainder of the term in County Council District 11 should write a letter of intent and send it to the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, 429 Forbes Avenue, Suite 1301, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. All letters of intent must be received by 5 PM on July 3, 2015. All committee changes must also be received by this date.

In case you're interested, full ACDC Endorsement List is here

First, a few notes on the Allegheny County Democratic Committee endorsement vote which was held yesterday.

Certainly the ACDC stamp of approval no longer holds the sway it once did. Candidates can win their elections without it and some no longer even seek the endorsement (see Mayor Bill Peduto).

The biggest headline to come out of the vote was the nod to Mark Patrick Flaherty over sitting incumbent Chelsa Wagner for Allegheny County Controller. Flaherty was Wagner's predecessor, and, because this is Allegheny County/Pittsburgh, Flaherty is the son of a former county commissioner and nephew of a former Pittsburgh mayor, while Wagner is the daughter of a former longtime chairman of the 19th Ward and niece of a former state auditor general. Meh.

And, while I'm no big fan of Wagner's, did the vote against her have to come on International Women's Day? Which just points to the fact that out of the 34 people ACDC endorsed, only eight were women.

This also leads to the following note from Kris Rust posted on Facebook by his husband, Pittsburgh Magisterial District Judge Hugh McGough, who did not win endorsement for Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas:

This weekend, the Allegheny County Labor Council and the Allegheny County Democratic Committee endorsed a slate of three straight, white men from the Pittsburgh suburbs as judicial candidates for the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, passing over distinguished women and minority candidates, including Hugh (yes, LGBT people comprise a minority group). 

The integrity and legitimacy of our government and our courts depends upon them reflecting the diversity of our citizenry. Yet, two-thirds of the judges on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas are straight, white men. While we are grateful to all of the folks who have supported Hugh throughout this endorsement process, I am disappointed that the majority of Labor Council and Democratic Committee members fail to recognize the value and importance of superlative credentials and diversity on the bench. Now I am ready to “rage against the machine!”

(If you'd like to help Hugh McGough's campaign--and I hope you do--his website is here.)

Another person who I would have liked to have been endorsed is Natalia Rudiak (though I have to admit that I don't know if she sought the endorsement). Rudiak is running for Pittsburgh City Controller and the only negative thing I can say about her is I would miss her on City Council. Her campaign website is here and her kickoff party is tomorrow.

Lastly, I hope that no one reading this takes the slate cards mailed out too much to heart. It's a real shame, but I'm guessing that too many people do rely on them, especially when voting for judges.

(Endorsement list is after the fold.)

Deb Gross Certified as the Democratic Nominee for City Council District 7 Special Election

Via press release from the Gross campaign:

Deb Gross is the Democratic Nominee for City Council District 7

Deadline for parties and independent candidates is today

Pittsburgh, PA--With the deadline for candidates nominated by political parties and independent candidates to file to have their name included on the ballot to run for Pittsburgh City Council, District 7, Deb Gross has been certified as the Democratic nominee for this special election.  

The deadline comes one day after Judge Colville indicated that he would reject the request for an emergency special injunction by Tony Ceoffe to prevent the Democratic Party from nominating Deb Gross. A full hearing is scheduled for next week, but a preliminary injunction can be denied if—among other reasons—the judge believes that there is not substantial likelihood of success on the merits of the case.  

Deb Gross was nominated by the Allegheny Democratic Committee by a vote of 47-43.  

“Today’s certification is a small victory for progressive politics in the race for City Council,” Deb Gross said. “Our neighbors are looking for someone to fill Patrick Dowd’s shoes who will focus on all of our neighborhoods—making sure that everyone shares in the benefits of our economic growth. The political games of the past do not help make sure that streets get paved, that police are on our streets, or that we are maintaining the character of our neighborhoods. I am looking forward to continuing a campaign that looks forward, not back, as the Democratic nominee.”

Her Facebook page is here.

Dawn of the Unendorsed Primary

April 2, 2013, Pittsburgh, PA - The sun rose today over a city engulfed in uncertainty and confusion.

Citizens stumbled out of their homes into a landscape which now seemed strangely unfamiliar and almost menacing.

A growing sense of dread turned to outright horror as they realized...

Oh noes! They have to pick a nominee for mayor all by themselves -- without having a candidate endorsed for them by the Allegheny County Democratic Committee!

 

Oh slate card, how you will fail us!

"BRUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!"

That was the cry heard repeatedly last night at Pittsburgh City Councilman Bruce Kraus' victory party.


Crappy photo, but fantastic Councilor and great party!
Kraus joined Darlene Harris and Patrick Dowd in beating back Lil Mayor Luke's BFFs to win their primary races. (We sure hope that Corey O'Connor is serious about being independent and we keep a progressive majority on Council.)

I have to say how much it still burns me that ACDC endorsed Jeff Koch this year for City Council District 3. Koch won 3 in a special election in 2006. He had two years to prove himself. But the voters of my district rejected him in 2006 for Bruce Kraus. Why did ACDC think that they knew better than the voters this year? Thank goodness that the citizens ignored both ACDC as well as the lies from the Koch camp and went with the candidate who has proven his worth. The citizens prevailed and Kraus won handily.

Congratulations to Bruce and congratulations to Harris and Dowd. And, while I would have rather seen Chris Zurawsky win, I also offer my congratulations to Corey O'Connor. Their race was notably free from shenanigans and negative campaigning.

(And, if you're waiting for me to congratulate Rev. Ricky, you've obviously never read this blog before.)
.

Bizarro World Slate Card!

In the Bizarro World of "Htrae" ("Earth" spelled backwards), society is ruled by the Bizarro Code which states "Us do opposite of all Earthly things! Us hate hacks and DINOs! Us love real Democrats!

Here is us Bizarro World ACDC slate card:



US Senate
Joe Sestak!

PA Governor
Joe Hoeffel!

4th Congressional District
Jason Altmire Franco Dok Harris! (Write-in)

40th State Senatorial District
Dan DeMarco! (Write-in)

20th State House District
Adam Ravenstahl Tim Tuinstra!

36th State House District
Harry Readshaw Write in us own names!.

Specter Thanks "Allegheny County Republicans" at Dem Event

The PA Democratic primary for US Senate in a nutshell:

Via KDKA:

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― One week before next Tuesday's primary election, Republican-turned Democrat U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter appeared before Allegheny County Democrats in Pittsburgh.

And, in a slip of the tongue, Specter thanked "Allegheny County Republicans" for supporting him.

Later, talking to reporters, Specter was asked about the gaffe.

"I think it's not unusual for anybody to misspeak from time to time," he quipped. "I'm not a television commentator. I'm not as smooth as you guys."

According to the video at the link, he thanked Republicans twice.

Hey! Here's an idea: If you're a Democrat, vote for a Democrat!

Democracy for Pgh Endorses Sestak & Hoeffel, NOW Endorses Sestak

...
A couple of Joes
The Allegheny County Democratic Committee (ACDC) is holding their primary endorsement process right now, but progressives may want to consider these recent endorsements:

NOW PAC has endorsed Rep. Joe Sestak for the U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania.

Democracy for Pittsburgh has endorsed Rep. Joe Sestak for the U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania.

Democracy for Pittsburgh has endorsed Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel for Governor of Pennsylvania

http://joehoeffel2010.com

http://joesestak.com
.

PUMP Presents: How to Run for Committee

PUMP Presents: How to Run for Committee
WHAT: PUMP is pleased to present a Civic Engagement Program aimed at getting young people connected with upcoming opportunities to Run for Public Office.
WHEN: TODAY! 6:00 - 8:00 February 17, 2010
WHERE: AVA Lounge (around the Corner from Shadow Lounge)
5972 Baum Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Come network with other young people who share your interest in politics and learn about the role of the Committee member, important dates in the election cycle, how to circulate petitions and tips on how to win and what a campaign will entail! Blank petitions will also be available at the event.

Featuring:

Gloria Forouzan, Founder - Run Baby Run

Tom Baker, Republican State Committee Member

Erin Molchany, PUMP’s Executive Director by Day, Allegheny County Democratic Committee Member by night

More info and registration here.

*******************************************************************

Petition Circulation
Unlike IN, PA has just started its petition circulation period this week. So, even if you don't want to run, you may want to contact you favorite candidate to see if they can use some help.

*******************************************************************

Fish Frys!
From Gloria:

If you're running for office/scheduling a candidate, you probably know how important it is to make time for the fried fish fests - by the time it's over, you'll be spelling it Fryday.

Pgh Catholic's Fish Fry List

.

Jim Burn: Democratic Committee = "a paramilitary operation"

According to a source who attended Tuesday night's Democratic City Committee election meeting, Jim Burn, Chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, let it be known that the Democratic Committee is a "paramilitary operation" with a clear chain of command and no room for dissent (even in a Democratic primary).

He also compared supporting someone other than an endorsed candidate to crossing a union picket line. If you follow Burn's logic, the late Pittsburgh Mayor Dick Caliguiri was a scab.

Nice one, Jim!

Looks like they're back to marching in lockstep (guess we should forget any previous musings from Burn on the possibility of ever having an "open primary").

Ugh!

The Ideal Committee Member (according to Burn):

.

Luke Lit

In case you haven't noticed, Matt H has been posting all manner of letters, mailers and brochures for folks trying to get ACDC's blessings for the May primary.

Many blogs have commented on/reprinted the Luke Ravenstahl for Mayor brochure and in the interest of keeping our readers informed we're also posting it here at 2pj:








And, in the interest of fairness, we want to give a link to a Patrick Dowd support page:
Let's raise $5000 for Patrick Dowd's campaign for mayor!


(h/t to The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat for much of the copy on page 1.)
.

Lockstep

Earlier this week Chris Potter over at his Slag Heap blog wrote about some proposed changes to the Allegheny County Democratic Committee's bylaws (link on this page).

As Potter put it:

And the key question to be discussed is:

Should Democratic committee people be required to support the party's endorsed candidates?

As he notes, they already are required to do this but the bylaw revisions would now include punishment for those who do not march in lockstep.

I'd also like to point out this proposed change in RULE IV Conduct:

e. Determine that said committee member is ineligible for endorsement at one (1) or more future endorsement meetings for which said committee member seeks office;

If I read this correctly -- and from what I've heard about proposed changes from committee members over the last couple of years -- this means that if you are a committee member and you have the temerity to run for office against an ACDC endorsed candidate, you will be punished by being ineligible to even be considered for future endorsements. Many, if not most, candidates for local office are committee members or ward chairs.

To sum up:

1) If you are a committee person and you don't get ACDC's endorsement and you run anyway in an election (I don't see any exception even in the case of special elections when there is no primary or primary elections themselves) you may be blackballed from one or more future endorsements, and

2) If you are a committee person and you don't support the endorsed candidate in an election, there will be a trial and if found guilty, you will be punished (reprimanded verbally or in writing/or censored/deactivated/removed from office/be ineligible for future endorsements).

There is no indication as to what crime merits which punishment. (Written warning for a button, but deactivation for a yard sign?)

Under these proposed rules, City Councilman Bruce Kraus (for example) would have been punished by ACDC for running (and winning).

Why even bother to have primaries?

Hail Victory, ACDC!
..

Pittsburgh City Council District 2 Special Election TODAY

It's not hard to agree with everyone that special elections aren't a big draw in general and today's in particular -- add temps in the 20's, snow, and a big frickin' Steelers Super Bowl Champions parade to the mix -- and you're likely looking at an exceptionally low turnout today in District 2.

That doesn't mean things haven't gotten heated in blog world, but I'm more concerned with this postcard from Allegheny County Democratic Committee (ACDC) Chair Jim Burn.

Let's agree from the get go that it's Burn's job to get endorsed democrats elected. Fine and dandy. But, I would like to think that he would want to do that in a way that is honest and does not demonize candidates other than his own.

The postcard reminds voters that Theresa Smith is the only candidate (currently) running as a Democrat. Fine and dandy and true.

However, it also states this:

She is running against a Republican and two third party fringe candidates.

Words have meaning. Here's the meaning of a couple:

THIRD PARTY
2 a: a major political party operating over a limited period of time in addition to two other major parties in a nation or state normally characterized by a two-party system

FRINGE
3 a: something that is marginal, additional, or secondary to some activity, process, or subject b: a group with marginal or extremist views.

1) Georgia Blotzer, candidate for Pittsburgh City Council, is running as an independent (small "i"). Running as an independent means that you are non-affiliated. It does not mean that you belong to a "third party." Additionally, most people know that Blotzer has been a Democratic Committee member who has long campaigned for Democratic candidates and who chose to run as an independent in this race which -- while having no democratic primary election -- could only have one candidate listed with a big D beside their name.

2) Georgia Blotzer both far outstripped her opponents (including Smith) in fundraising and she received the endorsement of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. This means that she is not "marginal" or "secondary."

3) Given that Smith and Blotzer have nearly identical issues (Smith: "She plans to advance her efforts to develop programs to unite communities, maintain a strong police presence and reduce neighborhood blight." Blotzer's issue page: Safe Streets, Viable Housing, Responsible Development and Campaign Finance Reform.), Blotzer's views seem neither "marginal" or "extremist."

That is, unless of course, the ACDC -- being the only game in a one party town and clinging to their death grip on the purse strings -- believes that campaign finance reform is extremist.

Barring that, perhaps they can use their monies to buy Jim Burn a dictionary.

******************************************
Obligatory Disclaimer: As mentioned before, I've been paid by the Georgia for Council campaign to create and maintain her web site: www.georgiaforcouncil.com
.

Yeah, I have a couple of questions . . .

As you may have heard, the spokesperson for the Allegheny County Democratic Committee (ACDC), Dianna Wentz, will be subbing for Lynn Cullen today on WPTT 1360AM (live streaming here).

Wentz will be interviewing her coworkers, ACDC Chair Jim Burn and Executive Director Ian Harlow, “about all the changes and progress being made at the County Committee."

The number to call in to WPTT is 412-333-1360.

Here's a few questions that might be interesting to ask (and also cover some important issues that I never got around to posting about during the hubbub of 2pj's election coverage):

1) Considering that in three of the most hotly contested races Dowd vs. Bodack, Kraus vs. Koch, and Carlisle vs. EVERYONE, the winning candidates in two of those races were not ACDC endorsed and in the third, the winner got ACDC's endorsement only after their first choice was disqualified, how can that bode well for Committee's endorsement process and the Committee's influence over voters? (Making these races even less traditional and old school is the fact that all three winning campaigns had female campaign managers.)

2) How are we supposed to believe that there is a "new Democratic Party" and that the "old machine is gone" as Mr. Burn stated in an article that he wrote for the Post-Gazette when a candidate for Judge, Debra Todd, seemingly fired a campaign staffer, Jason Phillips, at the behest of the Committee because he blew the whistle on the Koch campaign? Even if that's not why she did it, it certainly had the appearance of impropriety of one endorsed candidate helping out another endorsed candidate at the Committee's request.

3) There have been rumors out there that ACDC plans to make their endorsement process even more draconian by either strengthening punishment for Committee members who support unendorsed candidates, or worse still, enacting rules to punish candidates who seek endorsement, lose the endorsement and run anyway. If true, that would seem to make our primaries nearly completely irrelevant Can you state for the record that the Committee is not planning to do either of those rules changes?

UPDATE: You might want to save Q2 for hour 3, when it sounds like Todd will be a guest.

Pattern of Election Intimidation Reigns in District 3

From Pennsylvania League of Young Voters PAC:

Pittsburgh, PA: Reports are coming in that polling places all over district 3 members of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee are inside polling places acting as if judge of elections.

In another incident two 15 year old volunteers for the PA League of Young Voters PAC were harassed and antagonized by the Campaign Manager for Jeff Koch.
Also, individuals wearing Koch shirts have been sitting at tables with election workers at the polling places all over the district. At 9th and Sarah multiple individuals wearing Koch shirts sat inside the poll and a volunteer for the Kraus Campaign identified one as one of the suspended public works employees.

A number of other situations have been reported as well.

Kraus supporters have described the situation as having an air of intimidation

Voters called a volunteer and told her they were "afraid to vote"

Kevin Quigley was reported screaming at a Committee person who did not support Koch

Poll watchers are being turned away from inspecting voter rolls

This is my district and it comes as no surprise to me because I poll-watched for Bruce Kraus the last time he ran against Jeff Koch and the same crap happened then -- they even tried to have me kicked out.

I'll be going to the polls in about an hour.

Go ahead, bitches and try something -- make my day!

New Party, My Ass

If you've been paying any attention, you'd know it's time to regard an endorsement by the Allegheny County Democratic Committee more as a badge of shame than as a clue for who to vote.



Don't reward bad behavior!

UPDATE FROM THE FIELD:

From Pittsburgh League of Young Voters PAC:

Reports of Ceoffe strong arming people from other campaigns at St. Augustines in Dist 7. The Sheriff actually showed up with an injunction. He is verbally harassing (her exact words were more like "he is being an ass") our election protection volunteer. He took her picture (though to be fair she was video taping his antics).

In district 9 we have a report of a committee person shoving an election protection volunteer (not even one of ours, one of the official non-partisan election protection people) and some other hijinks.

From the Patrick Dowd Campaign:

After a number of incidents of intimidation of elections officials at St. Augustine’s Parish, serving precincts 1,2, and 3 of the 6th Ward, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s office served a court order on the Ward Chair and all staff at the polling site prohibiting them from preventing poll watchers from entering the polling sites. The court order also instructed the elections officials to permit poll watchers to obtain information as permitted under law.

“Elections officials and poll watchers are not to be interfered with when they are doing their jobs,” said Isobel Storch, attorney for the Dowd campaign.

.