The Inky reports that this is a boatload for a single legislative election; almost 200 more than the previous record and the most in a decade. Things are changing in Pennsylvania statewide. This isn't just Philly for Change members acting, this is statewide.
Whether or not the hundreds of new, first-time filers win or not is not necessarily the big news here [but it will be if a majority of them win]. By simply throwing their hats in the ring, it is sending a shockwave throughout the PA General Assembly. Long time incumbents can't just sit on their laurels. They can't just win no contest. They can't just do as they please and piss off their constituents without any repercussions. People are gunning for their seats now.
Discussion is good. Let's talk about why people are so pissed off and why they think they can do a better job than their currently elected officials. If these newbies want to take a stab at what it means to be a public servant 24/7, if they can get the support, let them have at it.
The government will not cease working if newbies take seats.
I'm not saying that every single office in contention has an incumbent who should be pushed out, but if all it takes is another person filing a petition with some of her/his fellow constitutents on it to push the incumbent into retirement, then that incumbent shouldn't be serving.
Rep. Mark Cohen was singled out in this article, as he's been in the past by reporters and columnists and it was noted that he'll be challenged in the primary for the first time in twenty-two years. I know this guy personally. I've met him several times at several functions around town. He comes to public gatherings like Philly for Change and Drinking Liberally. Seems like a nice guy. I don't think he's resting on his laurels. He's fighting hard for an increase in PA's minimum wage. I'd love for him to take the next step to a living wage, but I'm no lobbyist. I don't think collecting a paycheck is all he's doing as his primary opponent, Pat Dugan alleges. But hey, maybe this primary will fire up Rep. Cohen up some more and give him a little more publicity to raise his cause for an increase; an increase the Republican'ts in the PA GA keep shooting down.
I firmly believe that primaries are a good thing. It lets the public know what's going on ahead of time. Let the issues be brought to the table. Let the candidates take positions and listen to what the masses have to say about those positions. Maybe candidates will be forced to take a stance on something the public demands upon them because of a strong stance by a primary opponent, a stance on an issue upon which the incumbent has been dormant. Maybe the public discovers something they don't like about the incumbent. Maybe, maybe, maybe. Maybe things get worse. Maybe things get better. This whole country was founded on an experiment. It's only 200 years old. More experiments are needed. PA's 2006 elections are one of them.
And a word to the incumbents, never underestimate the angry mob.
I deeply appreciate your kind words above. I welcome being singled out by any media focus on my race for re-election: I represent the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party and I will only benefit from more media attention.
I am the only candidate in this race who has ever worked to reform government or who has worked to open up the Democratic Party to concerned and committed people. I would welcome help in getting out the vote activities (phone calling, tabling, canvassing). Individual financial contributions are also needed to compete with an opponent who has significant fundraising potential.
Pennsylvania began holding primary elections in 1904. They place demands on candidates and volunteers alike. But I agree that they can be a positive tool for raising issues and involving people, and I welcome the help of anyone who values having a genuine progressive leader as the second most senior member of the Pennsylvania House in 2007.
To help, please email me ([email protected]), or call me at 215-725-5639.
Posted by: Rep. Mark B. Cohen | March 10, 2006 at 04:12 AM