It was widely expected for some time that Waxman would challenge State Rep. Brian Sims in April’s Democratic primary for the 182nd district. He even released his cash on hand total last month.
“I’m writing to share some big news: I’m running for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives!,” Waxman writes in his announcement email. “Harrisburg is a mess. Lawmakers can’t even manage to pass a real state budget, including desperately needed funds for Philadelphia’s public schools. Philadelphia needs a champion and it’s time for new leadership that can move Pennsylvania forward.”
“I have over 15 years of experience as a community organizer, labor activist, award-winning journalist, and senior legislative staffer,” he continues. “I bring a unique combination of progressive values and practical experience that is desperately needed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.”
“Together, we can make 2016 a year of real change for Philadelphia and Pennsylvania,” he concludes.
Waxman is running against Sims at the same time that the latter is seeking to challenge Congressman Chaka Fattah in the PA-2 Democratic primary. Fattah is in trouble (he’s currently facing 29 indictments) but there are three other opponents in the race, including State Rep. Dwight Evans.
The 182nd district consists of Center City Philadelphia, specifically Rittenhouse Square and Washington Square West.
13 Responses
I will support Ben Waxman for Pennsylvania State House of Representative over the Incumbent Brian Sims in 2016 and I did supported for Brian Sims for his long shot challenge to congress in 2016.
Mike Panza-
I agree: “Quit to run” should be the standard.
Sims is a good State Rep. The problem is, many people (myself included) think it’s wrong to run for two separate offices on the same ballot. He needs to choose ONE race and run for just that race. Until this happens, I won’t support him for either office.
Ps- I meant to say rittenhouse squre, my spell check kicked in. But you all get my point.
Well the practical experience waxman refers to could mean he consistently shows up for work and does the job he was hired to do. That’s in contrast to sims who ignores his district in order travel around to bear week in Provincetown and places like that to promote himself as “professionally gay”. Btw brian, a homeless man died on a park bench in rotten house square back in October. What I’ve you done to address homelessness in your district? I’ll bet nothing. But you have time to run for two offices at the same time and hang out in west Hollywood. Way to go.
Waxman is clearly distinguishing himself when he says, “I bring a unique combination of progressive values and practical experience that is desperately needed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.” I’m really looking for the difference here…what is he going to do differently? Doesn’t seem like anything.
Two insufferable, self-dealing hucksters.
Blurred Conservative, sorry to offend your delicate sensibilities, but that’s what everyone thinks about Brian “Single Issue” Sims. He’s a one-trick pony and it’s all he talks about.
Yes! I love when the party machine fights with the reform-minded progressives! Shows that the GOP isn’t alone with its intraparty strife. I’m betting on Sims here. Ideologically we couldn’t be further apart, but he’s one of the good guys on the other side. Having him in that seat means one less Philly Dem hack collecting a paycheck in the House.
Pillow fight!
That’s in poor taste Scranton Sucks, a wrongful cheap shot.
In response, Brian Sims said, “I’M GAY!! DID YOU KNOW THAT?!!”
lol