December 21, 2009

Real Change In Harrisburg Starts with Electing Tim Kearney

Let's Help Kearney Now in the Race to Replace Perzel

By Dave Bell

In December'09 Neighborhood Networks endorsed Tim Kearney in the Democratic Party primary as a candidate for State Representative from the 172nd District in Northeast Philadelphia. Tim is a member of Neighborhood Networks and is a long time progressive who has challenged the status quo in Philadelphia and Harrisburg for many election cycles. He is a community activist who talks with his feet as well as his mouth. He was most recently involved with preserving Burholme Park from further incursion by the Fox Chase Cancer Center, but at the same time offering reasonable alternatives.

Since Tim is a progressive independent bucking the business as usual machine, he has developed a strategy that will function both within and outside the Democratic Party. He is organizing supporters within his district to run for committee and ward positions and asking that friends and supporting organizations outside the district commit resources to help build an infrastructure that will ensure his primary victory and eventual election in November 2010. He is asking that Neighborhood Networks assume the responsibility for at least one election division. In principle, NN agrees with this strategy but is unable to commit to a division until we hear from you. If are willing to work on Tim’s campaign, please call or email Dave Bell at 215-242-9066 or davesbell@aol.com.

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Here's Why Your Help Matters

Neighborhood Networks believes that Tim can win the Democratic Party primary and then the general election. In 2004, Tim received 25% of the vote against Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Perzel. In 2006, Tim received 30% against Perzel even though he raised much less money than in 2004 and was not able to compaign full time while holding a full time job. In 2008, Tim lost to Costello (past President of the FOP) in the primary with 44% of the vote. The Democratic Party was not interested in endorsing an independent so all the ward leaders supported Costello. Even though Perzel was no longer Speaker of the House, Costello was not able to beat him in the general election.

Now several things have changed in the 172nd District. Perzel was indicted in November 2009 for allegedly stealing tax payers’ money to use for Republican campaign purposes. Perzel has not announced his candidacy. Also, the District now has a 60% Democratic Party registration compared to 47% in 2004. Tim is the only announced candidate from either party. Rumor has it that Richard Costello, Kevin Boyle, and Tom Forkin may announce for the Democratic primary. Tim is the only one who is truly independent, has always been on the side of progressives, and consistently is out front on community issues.

With the changing political terrain in the 172nd combined with an organized approach to a winning campaign, Tim has an excellent chance of becoming the most progressive voice in Harrisburg. Neighborhood Networks getting behind his campaign with both money and bodies can make a difference.

Tim sees a direct relationship between building his campaign and building NN in the Northeast. As such, we have an opportunity to carry out our independent election strategy while supporting a progressive candidate and agenda.

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