Dems pick their favorites for primary
During an endorsement convention, Chestco Dems made choices for state legislative and senatorial district candidates.
WESTTOWN >> During an almost four-hour-long endorsement convention Thursday night, Chester County Democrats made their choices for state legislative and senatorial district candidates.
The race that attracted the most attention was the 19th Senatorial District, where longtime Democratic powerhouse Sen. Andy Dinniman is not seeking reelection. Three candidates sought the endorsement — state Rep. and former West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta, D-156, of West Chester, NAACP leader Kyle Boyer and longtime Dinniman aide Don Vymazal.
The Chester County Democratic Committee lined up behind Vymazal, who had been endorsed by Dinniman as his replacement.
Many voters were shocked that Comitta, who was running for both reelection to her House seat as well as the Senate post, was jettisoned from the 19th Senate race on the first ballot. She ran unopposed for her seat in the House.
Vymazal won the endorsement with over Boyer with more than 65 percent of voters on the third ballot.
Chester County Democratic Committee Chairman Dick Bingham and many others at the podium, stressed the importance of establishing a unified front to defeat President Donald Trump in November.
Bingham privately talked about local and national politics.
“The turnout is great — the energy is high,” Bingham said about the standing room only crowd of 450 who attended at Stetson Middle School. “We’ve got our afterburners on.
“This is not a good time to be a Republican in Chester
County.”
Democrats also endorsed former Delco teacher and businessman Brett Burman to face Sen. Tom Killion, R-9 of Middletown, in Chester County’s other Senate race. Delaware County Democrats have endorsed longtime labor leader John Kane, who also earned the backing of U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th.
In the 160th state House race, the Dems backed Kennett Square attorney Anton Andrew for the seat being vacated by longtime state Rep. Steve Barrar. Delco Democrats have endorsed Cathy Spahr, leader of the Upper Chichester Democrats.