Democratic City Committee just voted to endorse electricians' union leader John Dougherty for the First District Senate seat.
Why is this odd? Two years ago, Dougherty was ousted as city committee treasurer, largely because of a squabble he was having with Democratic Party chairman Bob Brady.
Why is this not odd? With seemingly endless campaign funds to draw from thanks to the union dues of his members, Dougherty has plently of GOTV money to spread around now, and in years to come.
The entire City Committee did not vote at the noon meeting, only those ward leaders who live in the First District.
Larry Farnese, Dougherty's opponent in the primary along with Anne Dicker, lambasted Dougherty, calling him a "thug" in a statement to City Committee provided below.
News from
Larry Farnese
Senate Candidate, 1st District
For Immediate Release Contact: Brian Abernathy
April 7, 2008
FARNESE CHALLENGES DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS TO
“INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF DEMOCRATS” IN FIRST SENATORIAL ENDORSEMENT
Candidate for the 1st State Senate seat, Larry Farnese , delivered the following remarks at the Democratic Caucus for the First Senatorial endorsement:
“Not long ago, Bob Brady and I sat down and discussed the direction of the Democratic City Committee. He told me that it was time for fresh blood, new faces and a different direction. The Chairman was encouraged to see people like me running for office – energetic, passionate, dedicated, and committed to reform.
Some of you have embraced that idea and I sincerely thank you for your support.
Others of you are going to support one of my opponents, John Dougherty. A Treasurer who was pushed out of his position – in part because he was warring with our Chairman and in part because he was donating money to Republicans. He’s a union leader that broke with the rest of Trades and supported Rick Santorum over Bob Casey. He’s an employer with a reputation of racism and discrimination. He’s an opportunist that supported Tom Knox for Mayor – who at every opportunity called everyone in this room corrupt and incompetent. He’s a thug that has tried to intimidate my staff, supporters and volunteers – including some people in this room - making veiled physical threats, promising legal action and every time acting like the bully that he is. He promises jobs when he has no jobs to give and guarantees his support when he has no intention of following through.
John Dougherty is not a nice guy.
Some of you know that. You’ve had the guts to stand up to him. You recognize how this man has damaged the Party’s reputation. And for that I thank you. You will always have my respect and my gratitude. You remember what we tell our children about the schoolyard bully – stand up and he’ll back down.
But some of you know what kind of man John Dougherty is and you ignore it.
Maybe John made promises. Maybe he threatened you. Maybe you truly believe our Party is best served by the status quo.
But I want this party to succeed and grow and I know there is courage in this room to reject the schoolyard bully.
Every day, my campaign is gaining momentum in the neighborhoods of the First District. The increased and desperate attacks of Dougherty’s campaign are evidence of this momentum.
But I am not afraid of John Dougherty. You shouldn’t be either.
I’m a Democrat and I love the Democratic Party. I’m loyal to our Party.
And I’m going to win.
You have an opportunity today to choose the direction of the Democratic Party. Do we want to reward corruption and discrimination? Or do we want to inspire the next generation of Democrats? I hope you make the right decision.
Thank you for listening and good luck.”
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