Three of the candidates in next year’s Democratic primary for the 13th Congressional District have collected some recent endorsements.
State Sen. Daylin Leach and state Rep. Brendan Boyle picked up union backing, while former congresswoman Marjorie Margolies won support from a prominent congressman and a local state representative.
The Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals backs Leach, who, in the Senate, has supported measures to improve working conditions for nurses.
“Daylin Leach has always been a tireless advocate for Pennsylvania nurses and health professionals in the state legislature, so it was with a great sense of friendship that the PASNAP executive board voted to endorse Daylin Leach for Congress,” said Patricia Eakin, the union president. “We know that once elected, Daylin will work in Washington to ensure safe hospital staffing levels, and we know he will always stand with us as we fight to organize and provide high-quality health care to our patients.”
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers’ Local 13 is for Boyle. Its vice president, Martin Williams, said Boyle “has been fighting for Philadelphia working families since being elected to the state legislature.”
“We are very excited about him continuing this fight in Congress,” Williams said.
Margolies earned endorsements from U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, the Democratic whip from Maryland, and state Rep. Madeleine Dean of Montgomery County.
Hoyer, who ranks below only Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi among House Democrats, described Margolies as hard working and courageous, adding that she is committed to creating jobs.
“During her previous tenure in Congress, Marjorie was instrumental in passing a ban on dangerous assault weapons, enacting the Family and Medical Leave Act and funding greater investment in women’s health care,” he said.
Dean cited Margolies’ work as a teacher at the Fels School of Government and for women and families as president of the Women’s Campaign International. And she pointed to her tie-breaking vote in 1993 for President Bill Clinton’s economic plan.
“I recall her courageous and correct vote supporting the Clinton budget, which made me proud that she represented me,” Dean said.
Also in the race is Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, a health-care reform advocate.
The seat is held by Democratic Rep. Allyson Schwartz, who is running for governor next year.
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As for Schwartz’s campaign for governor, a poll leaked last week to City Paper showed her leading Gov. Tom Corbett, 46 percent to 34 percent, in a possible general election faceoff.
The survey of 600 registered voters statewide was conducted by Publican Opinion Strategies, a Republican firm. The poll was conducted from April 30 to May 2.
Some 44 percent of Republicans said it was time to elect someone new.
In the Pittsburgh media market, where Corbett won by 12 percentage points in 2010, he trailed Schwartz by 26 points.
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The 29th annual Republican City Committee clambake has been set for Sunday, Aug. 25, at Cannstatter’s, at 9130 Academy Road.
The event will run from 4 to 8 p.m. and be chaired by city elections commissioner Al Schmidt.
Tickets cost $100 and include an open bar and all-you-can-eat assortment of food. They are available by contacting Mike Cibik, GOP leader of the 5th Ward, at 215–735–1060 or mcibik@gop5thward.com ••
