Saturday, February 16, 2013
Two politicians from the county may face-off in a race for the state's seat.
Of course, nothing is set in stone just yet, but with phrases like "80 percent sure" and "pragmatism and practicality" being floated around, it is possible that Montgomery County may be home to a hot race in the 2014 Pennsylvania governor's race. Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor has not put a percentage on his desire to enter the race, but has said he is keeping a close eye on the current governor, Tom Corbett's actions in the second half of his term. "I'm not going to run just to make a splash. I want Pennsylvania to go down the right path," Castor said in an interview with Pennsylvania Cable Network, covered by Patch in January. "I want Pennsylvania to be a conservative state, but with pragmatism and practicality. I don't see …
Friday, December 23, 2011
The congressman will represent parts of Lower Merion.
Rep. Chaka Fattah will be counting on votes from areas he doesn't currently represent if he runs for re-election in 2012. For now, though, it's still 2011, and he doesn't care to discuss the matter. “I’ll leave the politics of 2012 for another day," he said in a statement. Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law Thursday a Republican congressional redistricting plan that was approved by the state Legislature. Under the plan, Fattah's district would keep parts of Philadelphia like Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, Manayunk and Roxborough. But it would also include the majority of Lower Merion and all of Narberth—places that weren't part of the district before. Fattah said for now, he represents those parts of Northwest Philadelphia. "I’m focused on my …
Monday, December 19, 2011
Narrow vote leaves final passage to the House.
Leaving it to the last minute, the state Senate Wednesday approved redistricting legislation for congressional districts by a 26-24 margin. This vote affirms a Republican plan introduced by Majority Leader Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and was approved in a mostly partisan fashion—no Democrats voted for it and only four Republicans dissented. The bill only needs House approval and Gov. Corbett's signature to officially redraw the congressional districts in time for the 2012 election. An alternate plan offered as an amendment by Democrats was defeated earlier in day. In Lower Merion, this means Rep. James Gerlach (R-6) would no longer represent the area in Congress. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-2) would take over all Lower Merion (and Narberth) wards…
Thursday, December 15, 2011
A GOP redistricting plan would make Reps. Chaka Fattah and Allyson Schwartz the area's representatives.
If statehouse Republicans get their way, Lower Merion and Narberth's representatives in Congress would change as congressional districts shift. According to a plan introduced by General Assembly Republicans and detailed by PoliticsPa.com, Rep. James Gerlach (R-6th) would vacate nearly all of his Lower Merion and Narberth territory to Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-2nd), with a remaining sliver going to Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-13). Currently representing the western half of Philadelphia and Cheltenham Township in Montgomery County, Fattah would swap Montco townships (plus Narberth) and keep his city district. The territory covers 705,688 citizens. Gerlach, meanwhile, tightens his coverage area in Berks and Chester counties, while losing his lower …
Mike Shortall
9:54 am on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Wow ... I thought Abington was the ONLY place she could find besides NE Philly!! Fact is, she'll have little appeal to anyone west of Rt 232. more ›