For Kortz, the challenge is getting noticed

PHILADELPHIA—It seemed like every Democratic candidate in the room was up on stage. Candidates for local row offices, judicial slots and more were introduced one-by-one by Congressman Bob Brady (D-1), chairman of the city’s Democratic Party.

And then there was Bill Kortz, standing off-stage, seeming almost like an anonymous observer in the crowd of rank-and-file Democrats at the party’s spring dinner here Monday evening.

This is Kortz’s life now. The state Representative from Allegheny County and proclaimed “unpolitician” is running for Senate. But as he’s discovering, few people know who he is. Kortz—”just an ordinary steel worker” in his words—was swept into office thanks to the 2005 outrage over legislative pay-raises. Today, he is competing for attention in a Democratic primary that was already high-profile before Senator Arlen Specter switched parties and turned it into a circus. In a field of well-known candidates, Kortz is undoubtedly the unknown.

And as he runs what he vowed will be a successful grassroots campaign, he acknowledged the obstacles to getting noticed amidst the noise.

“It’s going to take a lot of effort, period,” Kortz said.

He has already visited at least five counties, driving from place to place in the evenings before rushing back to Harrisburg at night so he can be in session the next day.

“It’s grassroots,” he said. “I’m talking to the people.”

The people clearly need to be introduced to him. Kortz claimed Brady wouldn’t let him speak at the spring dinner, asking simply “who are you?” And as he mulled around a crowd shaking hands with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter Monday night, he told a woman nearby that he was running for Senate. “Oh really?” she asked.

As he continued to seek out folks to meet, the theme song from Rocky appropriately came over the speakers.

“That’s what I’m going to need,” he said with a smile. “I’m the underdog.”