I’ve written about this before, but the progressives in Philadelphia have been involved in an insurgency to take over some of our Wards and to throw out some of the machine politicians. Our very own front-pager here, albert, is on the ballot for committeeperson. Representative Bob Brady rewarded his commitment to the Democratic Party by sending out a letter to local Democrats accusing him (and the greater movement) of being closet Republicans.
Apparently, the Democratic machine sees the blogosphere as their enemy. And now they are raising money to counteract our influence.
I write about this more later. But here is an article from the Philly Record:
Party Chairman Congressman Bob Brady announced the formation of the new Finance Committee earlier this week. It will be a PAC chaired by Councilman Michael Nutter, with its treasurer, former Democratic City Committee Chairman Martin Weinberg.
Included in the Finance Committee are Gov. Ed Rendell, Mayor John Street, State Sen. Vincent Fumo, Rep. Frank Oliver, Ed Coryell, Ed Keenan, Attorney Frank Canty, David Cohen, Mitchell Rubin, Carol Campbell, Sen. Anthony Williams, Michael Choi, Esq. Tom Kelly, Lynn Fox, Ernest DeNofa and Richard Maccarone, who will be the Committee’s accountant.(…)
Helping organize the PAC was Party Secretary and Ward Leader Carol Campbell. She noted the Democratic City Committee’s finances have been heavily taxed over the past year, resulting in some “no pay weeks” for its staffers.(…)
Carol Campbell noted, “This meeting was a reaffirmation of the commitment of many to the role held by Congressman Bob Brady. Never before in party annals has a former chairman stepped up to the plate to help a present chairman. That’s the kind of affection and loyalty our chairman has generated.”
Campbell believes the Finance Committee’s operation will help move the party into the future. “We need to understand the Internet and to teach our people how to use it. We need to battle the bloggers on their own turf. This takes additional resources.”
So, this is how it works. Young Democratic activists get involved and run for office, and the Old Guard decides that the left leaning blogosphere is their enemy and they raise money to counteract our influence.
