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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 Samuels, deputy chair of the Bucks County Democratic Committee, wrote in an e-mail sharing the video (embedded above) with supporters. “Problem is, Fitzpatrick already is one. In fact, that’s all he’s ever been.”
Fitzpatrick’s original comment was made in pledging to serve only four terms if elected, including the one he served before being unseated by Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8) in 2006. He told the The Morning Call that it’s “ironic” being called a career politician when Murphy hasn’t made the same term-limit pledge.
As an insider political news Web site, we have absolutely no problem with career politicians here at pa2010.com Central—heck, they make up a big chunk of our readers. But we’ll give the BucksCo Dems this one: It’s tough to think of a guy in his 40′s who’s spent two decades in politics as anything but a professional politician. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Meanwhile, we got word that Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Joe Hoeffel—along with Lieutenant Governor candidate Jonathan Saidel—won the endorsement of Philadelphia’s 9th Ward. It’s an area including the Chestnut Hill neighborhood and part of Mt. Airy, one that strays a bit more often from party boss Bob Brady. It’s also one where the turnout is usually high. Our source there told us that Hoeffel’s endorsement was unanimous. And though we’re not positive, we’re pretty sure Saidel’s victory came on the home turf of his only Democratic rival, Mt. Airy’s own Doris Smith-Ribner.
February 10, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Tags: Bucks County, Doris Smith-Ribner, Joe Hoeffel, Jonathan Saidel, Mike Fitzpatrick, PA-8, Patrick Murphy, Philadelphia
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Ed H.
Feb 11th, 2010
Hey! Look! Fitzwater comes with an automatic backpedal.
Fitzpatrick Suffers Self-Inflicted Wound | Bucks Right
Feb 11th, 2010
[...] Unfortunately, the Democrats noticed, and they weren’t as kind as me in letting it go by. I’m not going to embed their video response here, but it can be viewed at other news aggregation and commentary sites. [...]
Bucks Voter
Feb 11th, 2010
This kind of stuff is why Mike can’t win – and why independents and regular Republicans will not support Mike in the GOP primary or in November.
Mike is going to have to flip-flop on many of his earlier position (Card Check, drilling in ANWR, earmarks, immigration, Bush connection, higher taxes and spending during his tenure as Bucks County Commissioner, etc.). He is worse than John Kerry.
In the end, Mike will come off as exactly what he is … another “GOP establishment” career politician who changes his positions in true Clinton-like fashion based upon opinion polls and the current political environment. The 8th District deserves better than that – and I would prefer any of the other GOP candidates (including Tom – at least Tom believes in what he says) over Mike.
Philly Guy
Feb 11th, 2010
Saidel has already been endorsed by the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee so having a Ward in philly support him is no big deal.
Old School
Feb 12th, 2010
It would seem appropriate if Saidel were to be endorsed by the WIG Party
flynnbw
Feb 12th, 2010
The funniest thing is (as Bucks Right points out) Mr. Fitzpatrick’s “professional politician” gaffe didn’t even come in an interview or speech. It was in a press conference!
flynnbw
Feb 12th, 2010
And when I say press conference I mean press release.
Bucks Voter
Feb 24th, 2010
am not a fan of Fitzpatrick for his stance on issues. I find him to be slightly less liberal than Murphy. Both need to look elsewhere for employment. Coming up through the ranks of local/community based politics is typically how someone eventually runs for Congress. Running and losing small local elections and being a delegate at a convention is not anything to be ashamed of nor does it mean he is a career politician. That said, this ad is silly. I will be looking to hear what other candidates like Gloria Carlineo are saying.
The Conservative Reform Network Blog » Blog Archive » Mike Fitzpatrick Vulnerable as “Professional Politician”
Feb 27th, 2010
[...] The Democrats are making the obvious point that former Bucks County Commissioner Mike Fitzpatrick is… Both Gloria Carlineo and Ira Hoffman are independent of Bucks County Republican leadership and that is a very big plus. Mike Fitzpatrick is tied to Union Financed Buck County Commissioner Jim Cawley [...]
Seabee
Mar 22nd, 2010
PArty hacks are trying to throw war veteran James Jones off the ballot in the Pennsylvania 8th district. They are trying to stifle democracy and access to the ballot and deprive the voters of options.