Fran Nelms, a Democratic candidate in the 170th Legislative District, held a fundraiser last week at O’Mare’s Irish Pub, 10253 Bustleton Ave.
Nelms, an aide to U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, faces Matt Darragh in the April 26 primary.
Darragh, a liquor store examiner for the auditor general’s office, has the backing of the ward leaders.
The Nelms/Darragh winner will face Republican Rep. Martina White.
Nelms, 25, is a Somerton native who attended St. Christopher Elementary School and Archbishop Ryan High School, and graduated from Temple with an economics degree. He’s knocked on more than 5,500 doors during the campaign.
“We have a great, aggressive ground game,” he said. “I’m there seven days a week, several hours a day. All the feedback I’m getting has been positive.”
When Nelms meets voters, he discusses issues such as jobs, a long-term school funding solution, senior citizen services and bolstering the middle class. If elected, he would concentrate on constituent services.
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The Pennsylvania Supreme Court last week rejected an appeal by state Rep. Mark Cohen (D-202nd dist.), who challenged the nominating petitions of his primary opponent, attorney and civic leader Jared Solomon.
Commonwealth Court Senior Judge James Gardner Colins had earlier denied Cohen’s petition challenge.
Solomon campaign manager Zack Arnold issued the following statement: “There was never a case to be made here. Unfortunately, it seems to be Mark’s plan to distract voters from the real issues we face in our community. Jared Solomon has continued to engage voters, highlighting his vision for a stronger, safer community. We will continue to work hard every day to earn their vote.”
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The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO has endorsed state Sen. John Sabatina (D-5th dist.) for re-election.
Sabatina said, “I’m privileged to have the support of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. They have been at the forefront of the labor movement for the last half-century and they know that I have a proven record of fighting for the middle class. This endorsement is yet another example of the labor movement’s faith in my record as a public servant.”
AFSCME District Council 47 also endorsed Sabatina.
Sabatina said, “I’m proud that AFSCME 47 endorsed my re-election. Their endorsement is further proof that I have consistently been the champion for middle-class Pennsylvanians.”
AFSCME 47 President Fred Wright added, “Sen. John Sabatina has always been a fighter for the middle class, better wages and better jobs. We’re proud t support him for re-election. The 5th Senatorial District will have a champion in their corner for the next four years.”
Sabatina, a former assistant district attorney and state representative for nine years, previously was endorsed by Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, Sheriff Jewell Williams, former District Attorney Lynne Abraham, and 11 unions.
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City Councilman Brian O’Neill has endorsed Jim Pio, Republican candidate in the 172nd Legislative District.
O’Neill stated, “I sincerely respect candidates that truly represent their constituents and make decisions based upon principle. That is why I am endorsing Jim Pio. We need people like Jim representing Northeast Philadelphia in Harrisburg.”
Pio said, “This endorsement is truly personal for me. Brian O’Neill has been a household name in my community and home for as long as I can remember. He is the definition of a public servant, and his presence in City Council has been a blessing for the Northeast. I have always admired Councilman O’Neill’s devotion to his constituents, and I am incredibly honored to have received his endorsement.”
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The standard rental fee to use the Mayor of Philadelphia’s Reception Room in City Hall is $750 for political groups, unless, the Republican City Committee contends, you are being endorsed by the Philadelphia Democratic machine.
Then, according to the local GOP, the taxpayers foot the bill.
Last December, then-Mayor Michael Nutter and other prominent Philadelphia Democratic officials took part in a news conference in the Mayor’s Reception Room, where they threw their support behind Katie McGinty’s campaign for the U.S. Senate.
Democratic officials did not make McGinty pay the room rental fee.
“Color me shocked, the Philly Democratic machine did Katie McGinty a favor, at the expense of the taxpayers,” said Philadelphia Republican City Committee Executive Director Joe DeFelice. “We have state representatives accepting gifts from lobbyists across the restaurant table, patronage politicians taking six-figure incomes and not showing up to work. Nobody’s surprised that Philly Democrats would break the rules for McGinty.”
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The Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club has made its endorsement in the primary.
Endorsed candidates include Hillary Clinton (president), Katie McGinty (U.S. Senate), Josh Shapiro (attorney general), Joe Hohenstein (177th Legislative District) and Mark Cohen (202nd Legislative District). ••
