Dan Hirschhorn's Blog
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Pike on ‘establishment’ endorsements
Not that it’s a big deal, but I find it worth noting that there’s been something of a tonal shift from Democrat Doug Pike and his campaign on that well-worn subject of endorsements. Twice in as many days, Pike or his campaign have seemed to play down opponent Manan Trivedi’s recent endorsement success by saying his support is coming from the “establishment.” Campaign manager Andrew Eldredge-Martin used that language on Friday, and after Trivedi was endorsed by the Chester County Democratic Committee on Saturday, Pike said that “he had a lot of establishment support.”
Of course, Pike saw no problem with “establishment” support when Democratic leaders were lining up behind him last year.
I asked Eldredge-Martin about it. “I wouldn’t say we’re playing it down,” he said. “We’re identifying it.”
Fair enough. But other than celebrity endorsements, endorsements by their very definition almost always come from the “establishment.” Otherwise, they wouldn’t be endorsements—they’d just be supportive voters. So “identifying” them as coming from the establishment is sort of akin to pointing out rain drops that fall from the sky.
Eldredge-Martin seems to prove the point when he notes how much of the state’s congressional delegation is behind Pike. That is, of course, establishment support.
Again, not a big deal. But a change in tone worth noting.
February 20, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Tags: Doug Pike, Manan Trivedi, PA-6
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Jeff
Feb 20th, 2010
No offense to the local establishment but it is not worth worrying about. Chester County is one of the most dysfunctional committees in the state and is lead by a complete headcase. Unfortunately the Chester County “establishment” isn’t established. The committee rarely wins and rarely backs winners. They’re obsessed with Andy Dinniman who has been completely useless and I don’t think he can actually open his eyes and are part of a County that has been Republican its entire history. Having the backing of the county does little for you and no one really cares but the county party; and believe it or not the thousands of voters could care less about the establishment. Berks could not even gain quorum to endorse today and Montgomery, well we know all about Montgomery.
The advantages of gaining the establishment’s endorsements does little when dealing with the big picture. They’re not active, they’re not willing to knock, however, they do one hell of a job when dealing with lit drops. To them it’s like the knew thing.
Steve Schrom
Feb 21st, 2010
tone change = ass kicking
Chet
Feb 22nd, 2010
I don’t quite get this “establishment” thing. Comittee persons are ordinary folks; it’s not that they have to pass an establishment test to have the honor of handing out information at the polls. People I know who like Trivedi do so because he appears more progressive on most issues. Like 16th congressional district Dem candidate Lois Herr, he disagreed with President Obama on the Afghanistan surge. What’s “establishment” about that?
Committee persons’ support does count, though, because they can encourage their neighbors to vote for a candidate they really like and keep a low profile on others. In that respect, the ChesCo Dem endorsement of Trivedi by a pretty wide margin is a good sign for him.