Dan-
I think you could have written most of these responses before you asked the campaigns.

Vince is 100% correct about elections. However, few candidates will turn down the crown at a political coronation.

The entrance of Gail Conner, and the dwindling possibility of Vitali entering the 7th district race are certainly factors that the Lentz campaign, given the choice, would probably rather not have.
But, I’m glad to see Vince and the Lentz campaign are taking the high road. I think the 7th Dem primary will heat up a bit, but it’s going to be a positive campaign on the issues. As long as it doesn’t drain resources or cause bitter divisions in the party, I think it can energize the base and tune up the campaigns with a dry-run.

The statements above are consistent with my previous remarks on these issues. In the interests of full disclosure, I have just this week secured a small contract to provide some computer services to the Conner campaign. The Lentz campaign was given the option of the same contract and same terms, first, and chose not to exercise their option. First come. First served.

Anyway, to avoid a conflict of interest, I will not be endorsing either Lentz, Conner or even Vitali, beyond endorsing them as qualified Dem candidates superior to the GOP alternatives.

I will still tweak them a bit when they shake the magic 8-ball and come up with standard canned responses, or if there is a specific issue that disagrees with my previously stated views.

Dan, BTW, you should try to get a quote from the Conner campaign as well, though my guess is you’ll get some standard fare about how good it is to see more women entering politics.

Isn’t theresa Touey still a candidate on the Dem side and I believe there’s an independent Republican also. If strendland and Vitali join the race that makes 6. It’s kind of like poker, the one who dares to bet the most might well win.

sorry that makes 7!

Anonymous-
Touey doesn’t even have an active website. It’s been down-for-maintenance so long that the Google cache has the maintenance page as well. I couldn’t even find a campaign Facebook page.

I’ve see no signs of life for her campaign other than on Oct 5th, 2009 she FINALLY registered here in Pennsylvania.
I highly doubt she will even be able to get enough signatures to get on the ballot. Her “connection” to Sestak hasn’t paid off. Sestak hasn’t endorsed her (and I can’t see him ticking off the Lentz fans with that move) and he’s too busy with his own fundraising to help her there.

So, while Touey has “announced” that she’s a candidate, she does not appear the slightest bit viable.

The Conner campaign is facing Lentz’s huge head start and strategic advantages, but she seem to be making a real effort and is ahead of where a typical Dem 7th campaign normally is.
Hey, at least it’s not two weeks before petitions and we are trying to talk a candidate into running.

As for Vitali, I saw him at Hoeffel’s event and he’s “still deciding”. If he entered the race tomorrow, he’d already be ahead of Touey before the press conference started. I will be completely shocked if Vitali goes for it.

Lentz is showing no signs of weakness, and Vitali would be risking his seniority in the St. Leg.
Conner seems to be coming from a different direction (not a male legislator/politician) but as a progressive female businessperson. That may give her an instant base of people looking for something different.
So, while I expect Lentz to be able to saturate his message, I think Conner will get enough of a “listen” to get her message out. It’s going to have to be an awesome message to catch up to Lentz.

Also, it’s worth noting that Reps. Vitali and Lentz are working closely together on HB 80 (the clean energy bill authored by Vitali).