LEFTOVERS: Critz sworn in, Steele says GOP will win, the Saidel robo-call

Democrat Mark Critz is now a congressman. The longtime John Murtha aide officially stepped into his late boss’ shoes on Thursday, being sworn into office two days after winning the 12th District special election. “This moment is bittersweet for me because I wouldn’t be here right now if Jack Murtha hadn’t left us too soon,” Critz said. “I’ve thought about the many lessons that Congressman Murtha taught me. He always said…

May 23, 2010 at 5:03 pm | Comments (11)

Conklin: Imminent victory ‘proves that your vote really does matter’

Scott Conklin was on the verge of an incredible upset win in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor on Wednesday, holding onto a lead that was just large enough to avoid the need for an automatic recount.

Conklin, a state Representative from Centre County, was widely seen as the underdog against former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel, who had exponentially more campaign cash, as well as overwhelming support from party and labor leaders. But as…

May 19, 2010 at 7:50 pm | Comments (22)

Conklin and Saidel locked in too-close-to-call Lt. Gov. race

PHILADELPHIA—It wasn’t quite the race they were expecting.

Supporters of former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel came to the Warwick Hotel here Tuesday thinking a victory party was a sure thing. Saidel was the endorsed party candidate, enjoyed a huge financial advantage and the support of labor organizations far and wide.

But things weren’t that simple.

By the end of the night, Saidel and state Representative Scott Conklin (D-Centre) were locked in a surprisingly close…

May 19, 2010 at 6:36 am | Comments (6)

Saidel launching first TV ad Friday

Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Jonathan Saidel is set to hit the airwaves with his first campaign ad Friday, a 30-second spot that highlights his role as Philadelphia’s fiscal watchdog in the 1990s.

The 30-second spot is airing in every media market except Philadelphia, the campaign said, where Saidel’s name recognition is high from years as the city controller. Saidel, the party’s endorsed candidate and the overwhelming favorite in the May 18 primary, appears to be…

May 6, 2010 at 1:00 pm | Comments (20)

Another Dem emerges for Lt. Gov.

Almost two weeks after the state Democratic Party overwhelmingly endorsed Jonathan Saidel for Lieutenant Governor, a Centre County state lawmaker is gearing up for a late push at the second-ticket office.

State Representative Scott Conklin (D-Centre) is gathering signatures to get on the ballot, The Centre Daily Times reports. He is circulating nominating petitions both for Lt. Gov. and for reelection.

If he decides to get into the race full-throttle, he…

February 17, 2010 at 5:32 pm | Comments (21)

LEFTOVERS: Dems hit Fitzpatrick, A Philly ward backs Hoeffel & Saidel

Bucks County Democrats on Wednesday criticized former Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick for claiming he has “no interest in becoming a professional politician,” unveiling a Web video that juxtaposes the comment with 20 years worth of electoral campaigning as both a candidate and a political operative.

“It’s hard to believe, but Congressman Fitzpatrick, a guy who has been running for political office for 20 years, claimed that he has ‘no interest in becoming a professional politician,’” Neil…

February 10, 2010 at 8:30 pm | Comments (10)

Saidel easily wins Lt. Gov. endorsement (Video)

LANCASTER—It didn’t even need to go to a roll-call vote.

After campaigning for Lieutenant Governor for more than a year, former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel easily won the state Democratic Party’s endorsement here Saturday, needing only a simple voice-vote to do so. Former Commonwealth Court Judge Doris Smith-Ribner is also running, but a candidacy that has struggled to get off the ground now seems even more unlikely to have a strong showing in the…

February 6, 2010 at 3:45 pm | Comments (9)

With deep local support, Saidel enters Lt. Gov. race

PHILADELPHIA—After more than a year of fundraising and building party support, former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel formally entered the race for Lieutenant Governor on Monday, saying he was eager to return to public service and expand the role of an office usually seen as mostly ceremonial figurehead.

“I’m running because I miss helping people,” Saidel said before a cadre of elected officials and party leaders at City Hall here. “I really miss helping people.…

January 25, 2010 at 7:24 pm | Comments (4)

Saidel camp warns guv candidates not to go looking for a Lt. Gov. deal

Former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel’s campaign has a stern warning for any gubernatorial candidates thinking they might be able to leverage their exit from the race for a spot on the ticket as Lieutenant Governor:

Don’t even try it.

Saidel has been laying the groundwork for over a year and will formally announce his candidacy for Lt. Gov. Monday afternoon. But responding to increased speculation that a candidate for governor could join Allegheny County…

January 21, 2010 at 3:45 pm | Comments (10)

Smith-Ribner opts for Lt. Gov. race instead of Senate run

Former Commonwealth Court Judge Doris Smith-Ribner has decided to forgo her underdog run for Senate in favor of a bid for Lieutenant Governor.

Smith-Ribner, a Democrat, made the announcement recently on her campaign Web site. She had faced the nearly impossible political task of garnering money and attention in the high-profile primary between Senator Arlen Specter and Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7). She said her decision was made…

January 8, 2010 at 10:35 am | Comments (0)