By Alex Roarty
PoliticsPA Staff Writer
roarty@politicspa.com

Democratic congressional candidate Manan Trivedi’s campaign said Wednesday that it had received endorsements from an array of 6^th District officials, including two who had previously supported Trivedi’s primary opponent, Doug Pike.

Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz, a Reading City Council member, and Felice Wiener, former Lower Merion Commissioner, endorsed Trivedi despite previously committing to Pike. Goodman-Hinnershitz, as of Wednesday afternoon, was still included as a Pike supporter on his campaigns’ Web site. Although Wiener wasn’t listed there, the Pike campaign touted her endorsement in a press release last September.

“We find that as more and more people have one on one conversations with Manan Trivedi, the more support he receives,” said Campaign Manager Ed Niles. “Whether those people are voters just finding out about Manan’s race or supporters from other campaigns, people are discovering that Manan really is the best candidate to take on Jim Gerlach.  In every case Manan is proud to have their support.”

Democratic officials switching their support, although a highly unusual event, has become one of the stories in the 6^th District primary. A handful of Democrats have outright changed their endorsement from Pike to Trivedi, such as Reading Mayor Tom McMahon, while others have simply become neutral, such as state Senator Daylin Leach.

“We respect everyone’s decision and look forward to working with them in the general election,” said Pike Campaign Manager Andrew Eldredge-Martin.

Many of them have attributed their switch to Trivedi’s relatively late arrival in the race compared to Pike. The former Inquirer editorial writer declared in April last year and quickly sewed up the support of many Democrats who thought he would run in an uncontested primary.

Trivedi, a physician, has received a great deal of support from local officials, including the Chester County Democratic Committee, while Pike has racked up endorsement from an array of labor groups, such as the AFL-CIO and SEIU.

Fundraising reports, due Thursday, will be critical for both men. Pike, thanks in party to his own personal wealth, had a $1 million advantage over Trivedi to start the year.

The Iraw war veteran also Wednesday touted endorsements he received from the Liberty City Democrats, a prominent LGBT advocacy group.

Each candidate is seeking the Democratic nomination to take on Republican incumbent Jim Gerlach.

UPDATED: To reflect Trivedi campaign comments.

Tags: Doug Pike, Doug Pike for congress, Manan Trivedi, Manan Trivedi for congress

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