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Dinniman: Trivedi ‘appeals to that middle ground’ (Video)

Dinniman: Trivedi ‘appeals to that middle ground’ (Video)

MALVERN—State Senator Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester) formally endorsed Manan Trivedi for Congress Sunday, calling him a candidate who could win the support of independent and Republican voters as the party attempts to win the 6th District for the first time since it was redrawn earlier this decade.

“In order to win we have to get our Republican and independent friends to vote for us,” Dinniman said during an endorsement party here. “The majority and Republicans and Democrats in this county are right in the middle. They’re not the right wing that’s gaining control of the Republican Party and they’re not the left wing. They’re in the middle. And they’re might be nuances of difference but a candidate who appeals to that middle ground will win. … Manan appeals to that middle ground.”

Trivedi in September entered a primary that had appeared to be an open field for Doug Pike, the wealthy former Inquirer editorial writer who had already won the backing of much of the local Democratic establishment. Since then has impressed rank-and-file Democrats and party activists while quickly emerging as a viable challenger, even as he expects to be significantly outspent by Pike. The support of Dinniman, delivered at the home of last year’s Democratic nominee in the district, Bob Roggio, was Trivedi’s biggest endorsement nab to date. Dinniman is seen as a figurehead in Chester County Democratic politics, having helped bring the party of the doldrums over the last couple decades.

“I’m very honored and humbled to have Andy Dinniman’s support,” Trivedi told pa2010.com. “He was there when no one else was there.”

Trivedi said he was the candidate to win centrist voters because he believes in “evidence-based” policy.

“I believe in policies that work,” he said. “For some reason, D.C. is an evidence-free zone. But I am not an ideologue.”

See videos of Dinniman and Trivedi below:

ZD YouTube FLV Player
ZD YouTube FLV Player
share001btn Dinniman: Trivedi appeals to that middle ground (Video)

November 15, 2009 at 10:00 pm

--Dan Hirschhorn

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  1. Joe in Wynnewood

    Nov 16th, 2009

    Off year elections are base elections. Republicans who’ve voted for Gerlach all these years aren’t going to vote for any Democrat. Independents who bother to vote aren’t going to vote for milquetoast.

    Running as some flavor of a Blue Dog in a district that gave Obama a substantial margin is a sure fire way to give up the district without a fight.

    I like Andy as a person, but his political instincts on this one seem to be all wrong.

    Sure, we need someone who is perceived as knowledgeable about local issue across the district. Someone who talks solutions that work in Reading and West Chester as well as Lower Merion, but that doesn’t mean someone who runs away from strongly progressive policy.

  2. Chester County Progressive

    Nov 16th, 2009

    Looks like the Blue Dogs have found their horse in this primary

  3. Yoson

    Nov 16th, 2009

    Except all the progressive groups in Berks see Trivedi as there man. Interesting to see where Trivedi will finally decide to stand.

  4. good grief

    Nov 16th, 2009

    So Trivedi has the sour grape endorsements. That’s all very nice. When does someone from the establishment stand behind him? And Dan what about this big endorsement back out you hinted about a week or so ago? When will you take the statement back or come out with it?

  5. David Diano

    Nov 18th, 2009

    Nameless posters hiding in anonymity-
    I got to meet Trivedi at an event earlier this evening. I was impressed by the way he presented himself, his qualifications and his reasons for running. I thought his answers to questions were direct, well informed and well articulated, especially so early in the campaign when most candidates are stiff and uncomfortable.

    I’ve met Doug Pike, and I like him too. However, Trivedi is a credible candidate. To be sure, there are logistical considerations of support from the party members, fundraising and electability. Some of that even depends upon the GOP opponent or excitement of other races in the district.

    I’d like to see both candidates, side-by-side, discussing the issues in an informal setting to see where they differ and agree, as well as to see the solutions they offer.

    Based upon tonight’s event, I’m glad to see a candidate of Trivedi’s caliber and character in the race.

    I have NO prediction about the outcome or viability of the candidates.

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