Candidates

2018 Mid-Term Election Results!

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Congratulations to Chester County Democrats for an Outstanding 2018 Election Result!

See the press release below for County level winners.

Congratulations also to statewide winners:
Governor Tom Wolf and new Lt. Gov. John Fetterman
US Senator Bob Casey

Press release from CCDC:
CHRISSY HOULAHAN MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST DEMOCRAT AND WOMAN TO WIN 6th CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

Two State Senators, Six PA Representatives Including First African American Democrat Plus Special Election of Old 7th Congressional District Confirms Blue Sweep

West Chester, PA (November 7, 2018) – Chester County is known for its rich history and news of a blue wave of historic proportions is being felt this morning. Air Force veteran, systems engineer and businesswoman Chrissy Houlahan spearheaded a Democratic wave that included the entire Democratic ticket from Governor and U.S. Senator to two PA State Senators and six PA State Representatives. The county elected its first Democratic African American State Representative, Dan Williams. The 2018 Midterms brought another stunning first – Democrats now hold the majority of the Chester County delegation in Harrisburg!

“We wake up today to multiple historic accomplishments,” declared Dick Bingham, Chester County Democratic Committee Chair. “With a gap of 11,500 fewer registered Democrats than Republicans, the wins across the county were astounding. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of thousands of volunteers and a dozen strong candidates, we turned the county blue despite the heavy Republican advantage. We went from one to six State House Representatives. We moved from one to three State Senators. And we celebrate our first Democratic Congresswoman, ever, heading off to Washington.”

CONGRESSWOMAN HOULAHAN

Speaking to a standing-room-only audience at Phoenixville’s Franklin Commons late last night, Houlahan began her remarks by thanking her opponent, Greg McCauley for answering the call to run. She then noted the “new and improved” 6th Congressional District where her “people-driven campaign” covered all of Chester County and parts of Berks County.

“This victory is not mine but it is yours, it is ours,” she told the cheering crowd. “Our politics and our government have been turned upside down. Now we can turn it right side up.”

She then touted the five top causes she campaigned on over an almost two-year run including: quality and affordable and accessible healthcare for all; a living wage; a great education that everyone is owed and due; a safe planet, safe community and safe schools; and finally decency, respect and the knowledge that truth matters.

SPECIAL 7th ELECTION

For a few weeks, Chester County will have a Congresswoman in 2018 representing the state’s old 7th District. Democrat Mary Gay Scanlon won the election in Pennsylvania’s 5th congressional district and the special election. The latter district, which includes parts of Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster and Montgomery counties, was restructured to the new 5th District. Scanlon won the open congressional seat in the 5th district, which had been under Republican control for eight years but was redrawn by the state Supreme Court.

WAITING SINCE 1855

According to the county’s newspaper, Daily Local News, Democrats would have to go back 163 years to recall a winning election night for a national office.

“A former county district attorney, Hickman, a Quaker, ran on the party ticket in 1855 and was elected to three more terms, first as a Democrat, then as a so-called Anti-Lecompton Democrat opposed to slavery, and finally as a Republican in 1861 when that party led the charge against slavery and elected Abraham Lincoln president. Hickman did not seek a new term in 1863, and the GOP has been winning elections for Congress in the county since, even as it has been split into halves and sometimes thirds because of redistricting.”

HARRISBURG-BOUND

Voters elected the following Democrats to the PA State Senate and House seats:

Tim Kearney – PA Senate District 26
Katie Muth – PA Senate District 44

Dan Williams – PA House District 74
Danielle Friel Otten – PA House District 155
Carolyn Comitta – PA House District 156
Melissa Shusterman – PA House District 157
Christina Sappey – PA House District 158
Kristine Howard – PA House District 167

CONTACT: Bill Phifer, CCDC Communications Committee, PressRelations@chescodems.org, 484-639-2345

Our 2018 Winners!

US Senate: Bob Casey (incumbent)

US Senate: Bob Casey (incumbent)

Bob Casey was raised to believe that “all public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor,” and he has brought that to every office he has held, including Pennsylvania Auditor General, State Treasurer, and U.S. Senator.

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Pennsylvania House, District 167: Kristine Howard

Pennsylvania House, District 167: Kristine Howard

Kristine Howard is a mother and Rutgers Law School grad currently working in child protective services. She seeks to improve state programs for education, healthcare and career opportunities for all, including two-income families and single women. She has recently been endorsed by President Barack Obama.

read more

County commissioner Kathi Cozzone seeks re-election

by | November 20, 2018 | CCDC Blog, Chester County Commissioners | 0 Comments

Daily Local News, 11/20/18 WEST CHESTER—Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone has announced she is seeking re-election as Commissioner. “I am honored the citizens of Chester…

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© 2018 Chester County Democratic Committee

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Remarkable First-timers

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Screen Shot 2018-09-03 at 8.07.44 PM
Screen Shot 2018-09-04 at 12.16.30 AMBy Frank Bruni and Liriel Higa

 

Usually you only get to dream about a candidate like Chrissy Houlahan. People in the Philadelphia suburbs actually get to vote for her.

She’s brainy: a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Stanford, a master’s in technology and policy from M.I.T. She’s bold: service in the U.S. Air Force. She has entrepreneurial bona fides from her years as the chief operating officer of an athletic wear company but also had a top job for a group promoting childhood literacy. She’s a wife and mother, with two grown daughters.

So why, at 51, has she set her sights on the House of Representatives, when she never ran for any office before?

The answer is Nov. 8, 2016. To vote for Hillary Clinton, she put on a pantsuit. Her gay daughter wore all white, honoring suffragists. That night they broke out the Champagne. “I thought that history would be made,” Houlahan recalled.

When it wasn’t, her father, a Holocaust survivor, cried, fearing what Donald Trump’s victory could mean for the vulnerable and the powerless. Her daughter panicked about L.G.B.T. people. “Unnerving,” Houlahan called it, and her response was “to be part of the solution.” She has since raised about $3 million and emerged as one of the Democratic Party’s best bets to turn a red seat blue.

There are many ways to measure the urgency with which Democrats are approaching the 2018 midterms but perhaps none better than the mettle, motivations and number — much larger than in recent congressional elections — of first-time candidates who have jumped into the fray.

They’re creatures of an atypically tense moment with especially high stakes. They’re mirrors of the anxieties that so many Americans feel. They’re emblems of a yearning for new faces and approaches. They’re the year’s biggest stars and stories.

Full Story • Links to New York Times article

2018 Borough Primary Election Results

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Congratulations to all 2018 primary winners! All candidates deserve credit for running strong races and their dedication to advancing Democratic principles. The winners now become the official CCDC candidates for the general election (except that committeepersons now take office). Once again, Chesco is a swing county and Pennsylvania a swing state. So there are 6 more months of hard work ahead: please volunteer to help the candidate of your choice and strengthen our party at the same time!

Winners are in boldface below.

It’s no surprise that Senator Bob Casey, Governor Tom Wolf, and Chrissy Houlahan (US House PA-06, including all of Chesco), all unopposed, won their races. For Lieutenant Governor, from PA Department of State, statewide results were (rearranged from high to low):

FETTERMAN, JOHN K 37.56% 288,116 Votes
AHMAD, NILOFER NINA 23.75%. 182,174 Votes
COZZONE, KATHLEEN M. 18.53%. 142,152 Votes
STACK, MICHAEL J. 16.58%. 127,207 Votes
SOSA, RAYMOND. 3.57%. 27,418 Votes

Map from New York Times (see there also for full PA results for each state district):

So while our own Commissioner Cozzone ran well, Nina Ahmad of Philadelphia probably cut substantially into her vote, and John Fetterman doubtless benefited from his race for the Dem nomination for US Senate 2 years ago and endorsements from Bernie Sanders and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Kathi won Chester County with 61.75%, tribute to her well-received performance as Commissioner, in which office she naturally continues to serve the people of the County.

WEST CHESTER DEMOCRATIC COUNTY COMMITTEE RESULTS

810 WEST CHESTER 1 (Prec-0810)
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN 2
JIM SALVAS . . . . . . . . . . . .  . 166  38.43%
EMILY PISANO . . . . . . . . . . . . 98  22.69%
KAREN HEINDEL CAVIN . . 163  37.73%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 . .1.16%

820 WEST CHESTER 2-EAST (Prec-0820)
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN 2
JAMES DENNIS . . . . . . . . . 38 76.00
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 12 24.00

825 WEST CHESTER 2-WEST (Prec-0825)
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN 2
NICK ALLEN . . . . . . . . . . 65 69.15
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 29 30.85 [write-in winner: McKinley Foster, 25 votes]

835 WEST CHESTER 3 (Prec-0835)
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN 2
EDWIN A BROWNLEY JR . . . . . . . 141 52.22
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 129 47.78 [write-in winner: Brian McGinnis, 69 votes]

842 WEST CHESTER 4 (Prec-0842)
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN 2
JORDAN NORLEY . . . . . . . . . 59 74.68
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 20 25.32 [write-in winner: Kevin Carson, 18 votes]

846 WEST CHESTER 5 (Prec-0846)
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN 2
SHEILA VACCARO. . . . . . . . . 106 53.81
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 91 46.19 [write-in winner: Don Braceland, 83 votes]

850 WEST CHESTER 6 (Prec-0850)
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN 2
JANET COLLITON. . . . . . . . . 135 49.63
GEETHA RAMANATHAN. . . . . . . . 133 48.90
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.47

860 WEST CHESTER 7 (Prec-0860)
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN 2
STEPHANIE PHILLIPS MARKSTEIN . . . . 227 53.16
KYLE HUDSON. . . . . . . . . . 195 45.67
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 5 1.17

for the newly elected PA State Committee representing Chester County, see here

VOTE Tuesday, May 15, 2018! Get your SAMPLE BALLOTS HERE!

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Make voting easier on yourself.  Get familiar with this SAMPLE GENERIC BALLOT FOR WEST CHESTER.
The Chester County Democratic Committee (CCDC) endorses the candidates marked with black ovals.
Consult your precinct committeepersons for information about State and WC Democratic Committee candidates.
To answer questions, Democratic committeepersons are working the polls all day; they are there to help you.
Don’t know your Precinct number or polling place?
The PA Department of State does.

2018 Primary Generic Sample Ballot PDF
for West Chester Borough

Interview with Bret Binder

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by Nathaniel Smith, Politics: A View from West Chester, 11/1/17

I had a chance last week to interview Bret Binder, an East Bradford attorney who is running for the position of Magisterial District Judge in West Bradford, East Bradford, and West Chester wards 3, 6, and 7.

Why are you running for MDJ?

Too many people have lost faith in the Pennsylvania judiciary because of a series of scandals from the Magisterial District Courts up to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Given that most people’s only experience with the law is in the Magisterial District Court, I would like to bring accountability, transparency, professionalism, and respect to this Court. I believe there is a chance to make a large impact in my community as well as to attempt to implement changes in the court itself that could help all Pennsylvanians receive a better, fairer judicial system.

What does an MDJ do?

A Magisterial District Judge handles small claims cases (under $12,000.00), landlord tenant cases, traffic citations, summary offenses, and emergency protection from abuse orders. He or she also issues arrest and search warrants and sets bail and rules on preliminary hearings for those charged with felonies and misdemeanor. These cases range from routine to quite serious and require a judge familiar with rules of procedure, evidence, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. …

read more at Politics: A View from West Chester

October 21st: Lunch with Bret Binder

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What?
All are welcome to our Fall Lunch Fundraiser at The Marrshalton Inn with Bret Binder! Lunch will be included with your ticket purchase and you will get a chance to speak with Bret and our event co-hosts about why they believe he is the best candidate for Magisterial District Judge of #15-1-01.

Where?
The Marshalton Inn
1300 W. Strasburg Rd.
West Chester, PA 19382

When?
Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm

RSVP
Please click on “Purchase Tickets” here (at the bottom) to RSVP and buy your tickets for this event!
$30/ticket; $100/Silver Sponsor; $250/Gold Sponsor

DONATE
If you can’t make it on the 21st please consider still donating to Bret’s campaign. Simply click on this donate link or send a check made out to Bret Binder for MDJ to the address below.

Bret Binder for MDJ
Campaign Committee
350 E. Market St., 2nd Floor
West Chester, PA 19382
Manager@BretBinderForMDJ.Com
(484) 356-3862
http://bretbinderformdj.com/

CHESCO DEMS LIVING HIGH WITH PURCHASE OF HEADQUARTERS AND STRONG ROSTER OF CANDIDATES

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Daily Local News
Staff Report. Posted: 08/06/17   FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Settlement On
37 S. High Street In Heart Of West Chester Borough Complete

West Chester, PA (August 8, 2017) – After years of renting, Chester County Dems are finally homeowners. And the timing could not be more ideal as Chester County is home to one of the most active and rapidly growing Democratic organizations in Pennsylvania.

Philanthropist and 37 S. High Street owner Vivian Lasko turned over the keys to the historical building, built in 1893, at settlement on July 27. For the last 16 years, Chester County Democratic Committee (CCDC) ran its headquarters out of the building with approximately 800 SF of first floor office space.

Lasko, widow to long-time West Chester businessman Oscar Lasko who died at age 96 earlier this year, recently put the building on the market. Jim Salvas, the Democratic committee person in Lasko’s precinct, was liaison between her and the CCDC. Salvas noted, “this purchase would not have been possible without Vivian’s generosity, allowing us a right of first offer and help with financing.”

“While the party has always maintained a year-round office in West Chester,” continued CCDC Chairman Brian McGinnis, “we have never owned our headquarters. After searching the county for new space, we were pleased to be able to remain in the midst of West Chester’s vibrant downtown and county seat.”

Chesco Dems, riding high on changing demographics and an increase in voter turnout, decided to put down roots this year, in anticipation of the November 2017 local elections and next year’s national and statewide races.

“This purchase is the result of the hard work and dedication of the members of the Chester County Democratic Committee,” added McGinnis. “I am very humbled to be their Chairman during these exciting times in county politics. We are moving forward with a ton of momentum!”

Under McGinnis and the Executive Board of CCDC’s leadership, ballots in county and local elections are brimming with Democratic candidates, many for the very first time.

“Don’t underestimate the importance of local elections such as school board directors (ensuring that our school districts are solvent and promoting public education) and township supervisors (keeping our townships and boroughs safe places to live and raise a family),” wrote McGinnis earlier this month to his membership. “Local elections matter. Our county-wide candidates will restore integrity, trust, and transparency to government, and our judicial candidates will represent the interests of people over the powerful.”

Election Day 2017 is Tuesday, November 7. There is good reason for optimism in the suburbs.

As the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote after May’s primary, “In Chester County, where Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton outperformed Republican Trump in November by more than 25,000 votes despite a GOP registration advantage, 18 percent of Democrats came out to vote on Tuesday, compared with just 10 percent four years ago.”

For information about Chester County Democratic Committee, visit their website at chescodems.com and follow them on Facebook.

Close Races

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Candidates need your vote; your local and state governments need your vote; your nation needs your vote. You choose who you want to run your government, your democracy. “If you stay home, you’re voting for the other side.”

West Chester has eight (8) precincts. Mayor Comitta’s 23-vote-win in the 2009 Primary meant that if just three people (3) from each precinct stayed home, she would have lost.

If you stay at home, you’re voting for the other side. So, don’t vote for the other side. Get up, get dressed, and go to your polling place, which is open from 7AM to 8PM.

This is what your vote means — why each vote counts …

  • 2000, WC Borough Council President, Ward 2, Diane LeBold tied the general election and won by a coin toss. She is now President of Borough Council.
  • 2006, State Representative, 156th District, Barbara McIlvaine Smith, won the general election by 28 votes.
  • 2009, Mayor, Borough of West Chester, Carolyn Comitta won the primary election by 23 votes.
  • 2015, Magisterial District Justice, Marion Vito won the general election by 44 votes.
  • 2016, State Representative, 156th District, Carolyn Comitta won the general election by 25 votes.

So, don’t vote for the other side. Get up, get dressed, and go to your polling place.

Screen Shot 2018-07-15 at 10.26.41 PM

 

End of June Updates from Carolyn Comitta

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Our campaign is proud to receive the endorsement of Pennsylvania NOW PAC. The National Organization for Women Foundation focuses on women’s rights and global feminist issues including…

  • Economic justice, pay equity
  • Health and body image, reproductive rights and justice, women with disabilities
  • Racial discrimination, family law, marriage and family formation rights of same-sex couples.

But the most important endorsement is
from the people who know me best, YOU!

A friend and supporter, Rob Partridge, former Director of Communications for the WCASD (West Chester Area School District) and President Elect of the Board of Directors for Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce said…

“The mischief of re-drawing political voting boundary lines that was visited upon the Borough of West Chester by the Republican-led Redistricting Commission is worthy of just one response– a full and thorough turnout this November by every citizen who believes in fairness, justice for all, and access for all, to the things that make our community one of the best in the region.

“I know Carolyn Comitta has already played a significant role in bringing those values closer to the people she represents. The next step, for her, must be to provide leadership to an even greater constituency in the State House by becoming, with your support, the next representative from the 156 th Pennsylvania State District.”

— Submitted by Robert George Partridge, June 24, 2016

With supporters like you, we WIN! Please put Election Day, November 8, 2016, on your calendar. Just two (2) hours of your time on Election Day makes this campaign a success. Please register on my website to volunteer—there’s room for everyone. If you can’t volunteer, your donation helps spread my message in the Fall. Please know that the help you offer is greatly appreciated, and stay in touch. Our campaign is strong.

We WILL win with your help and financial support. Please help us meet our end-of-month goal with a donation.

I am ready to serve you in Harrisburg as your Representative in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 156.

With your support, I will get there. I am ready!

Thanks for all you do.

Warmly,

CAROLYN

P.S. Our end-of-month goal is coming soon. Maybe you can contribute $35, $50, or $100 today to help us meet that goal?

WCASD REGION 1 CANDIDATES Kate Shaw & Sue Tiernan

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Kate & Sue have spent their entire careers in education. They are exceptionally well-qualified to serve the West Chester Area School District.

Many of you have generously given to Kate & Sue’s campaign fund and they are very grateful to you. The fact that many people outside of Region 1 have contributed is a testament to the character and qualifications of these two women.

With a month to go they are in need of another $1,000 to get their message out to Democrats, Independents and Republicans. Many of these voters don’t know Kate and yes, some not even Sue.

As you know, there are no guarantees on the outcome of this or any election. We have yet to see what their opponents will throw at them.

Kate and Sue have run a dignified campaign and will continue to; however, they have to get their message out, which is about keeping the WCASD School District strong, which keeps our property values high and our children’s education an A+.

Thank you to those who have contributed; if you can make another donation, it would be greatly appreciated. If you haven’t yet, please consider a contribution at this time.

Please remember to vote on Election Day, November 3. If you would like a lawn sign, please reply to this email with your name and address and we’ll get it to you. If you can spare a few hours to be at the polls for Kate and Sue, please let us know.

This election is very important and getting out the vote will elect Kate & Sue and keep our School Board strong and moving forward. We do not want to go backward. Please help.

Many thanks!

Checks can be sent to Better Direction Region 1, P.O. Box 66, West Chester, Pa 19381

In the Memo write Kate & Sue

Online donations: http://betterdirection4wc.com/Donate.html

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