Pat Gallagher last week earned the endorsement of the Democratic Party in the 173rd Legislative District primary.
Ward leaders Connie Dougherty, Pat Parkinson and Bobby Henon supported Gallagher during the caucus at the Ashburner Inn. Ward leader Pete McDermott, who is also running in the May 17 primary, abstained.
Gallagher, chief of staff for outgoing Rep. Mike Driscoll, was back at the Ashburner on Saturday night for a fundraiser. Among those in attendance were Parkinson, Henon, Driscoll and state Rep. Joe Hohenstein. Driscoll is giving up the seat to run for Henon’s vacated Council seat. He’s unopposed in a May 17 special election.
“It’s absolutely humbling,” Gallagher said of the endorsement. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
Gallagher is sending out campaign mailers and going door to door. Ballots are expected to be printed soon, once challenges to nominating petitions are resolved, and mail-in voting will begin.
Gallagher is glad to have the machine on his side, but said he is not overconfident.
“I’m running as if I was behind,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gallagher recently picked up endorsements from the Philadelphia Building Trades Council, which comprises more than 30 trade unions in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, and the state AFL-CIO.
Gallagher said in a statement, “I am honored to have the backing of organized labor. Together, we have the same values. Livable wages, safe working conditions, dignified retirement, equal pay for equal work and quality medical benefits are all issues that I have been advocating for since day one. I will work hand in hand with these organizations to lift up the residents of the 173rd district.”
Republicans do not have a candidate in the race, as Katherine Bohr was removed from the ballot for insufficient nominating petitions. ••
