Confirming our story from yesterday that he would run, Dr. Manan Trivedi announced his third run for the Democratic nomination in PA-6.
Trivedi unrolled his official endorsement this morning.
“As a father, doctor in the community and Iraq War veteran, I’m tired of politicians who help themselves instead of the people they’re paid to represent,” he said. “As Congressman, I’ll only answer to Pennsylvanians, not political insiders — and work with local businesses to create jobs; provide strong support for public education so we prepare students to compete in a global economy; make sure we keep our commitment to our veterans and protect Medicare and Social Security for senior citizens.”
Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-Chester) announced in January his intent not to seek re-election in 2014, moving what had been considered a safe Republican seat into the top tier of competitive congressional races nationwide.
Trivedi ran unsuccessfully against Gerlach in 2010 and 2012, losing by 14 points each time. The district was made 5 points more favorable to Republicans during redistricting in 2011. It now comprises parts of Berks, Chester, Lebanon and Montgomery counties.
He’ll face another veteran, Mike Parrish, in the Democratic primary. Parrish graduated from West Point and spent 13 years as an Army aviator. Parrish, 50, is the CEO of Daleco Resources Corporation energy company in West Chester. He lives in Malvern and has three children.
Trivedi’s announcement also came with the strong backing of local officials, several of whom were rumored to be seeking the seat themselves.
“His work ethic and experience in healthcare and the military will serve as strong assets for the people of the 6th District,” said State Senator Andy Dinniman, who was mentioned for the Democratic nomination.
“Chester County would benefit greatly from having Manan Trivedi in Congress,” said Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone, who at one point said that she was interested in a run. “I have a great deal of respect for Manan and his service in the Navy, as a doctor in our community and as a wonderful father and husband. His well-rounded experience will suit him well as a public servant.”
But, this week Parrish received the endorsement of Rep. Bob Brady (D-Philadelphia) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi recently headlined a fundraiser for him.
Other supporters from Trivedi’s announcement include: Wendell Young IV, President UFCW Local 1776; Kate Michelman, President Emerita, NARAL Pro-Choice America; Jake Long, Chairman of the Committee for Political Education and Dennis Bomberger, Business Agent, BCTGM (Chocolate Workers Local 464); State Representative Mark Painter; John Hellman, Chester County Central Labor Council Delegate, IBEW Local 654; Monica Kline, PA Democratic State Committee, Lebanon County; Mayor Michael J. Speck, Phoenixville; Cornell Wilson, Vice Chair, City of Lebanon Democrats and Lebanon City School Board Member; Stephanie Markstein, Chairperson of the West Chester Borough Democratic Committee; Micah Mahjoubian, LGBT Rights Activist; Frank Burstein, Chairman of the Limerick Township Democratic Committee.Dr. Harlan Kutscher, Berks County Democrats, Committeeman, Exeter; Chris Tarsa, Lebanon County Democrats, Chairman; Lani Frank, Democratic State Committeewoman, Chester County; Brad Kirsch, Chairman of the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee Senior Caucus; Diane O’Dwyer, Chester County Democrats, Leader Zone 25; Dave McLimans, Chester County Democrats, Leader Zone 4, Chester County Labor Council President; Stephanie Beemer McLimans, Chester County Democrats, Assistant Leader Zone 4, PA Democratic State Committeewoman; Bret Binder, Chester County Committeeman, West Chester; Bob Roggio, former Candidate PA-6; Bill Tricoski, Berks County Committeeman, Bechtelsville; Cindy Tricoski, Berks County Committeewoman, Bechtelsville; Mark Banfield, West Pikeland, Chester County Democratic Committeeperson; Diane Welsh, Chester County Democrats, Assistant Leader Zone 25; Adam Swope – Chester County Democrats, Leader Zone 11; Bernice Hines – Berks County Democratic Committeewoman, Exeter; Sue Shaak, Berks County Democratic Committeewoman, St. Lawrence; Laura Henkle-Sauer, Berks County Democratic Committeewoman, St. Lawrence
8 Responses
Democrats in Chester County couldn’t win a seat even if it was unopposed.
I will support Trivedi before I support a Republican who just turned Democrat.
Manan’s our man. He belongs in Congress.
I have supported Trivedi in the past but this year its Parrish. I don’t care that he was a Rep. a few months ago, he can raise the money needed to defeat that wimp Costello. Trivedi is a nice guy but I don’t think he can win in November.
So we have a candidate with the backing of DC Politicians (and a Republican pedigree), versus the guy with massive local backing. Gee, that’s a hard one to figure!
Manan Trevidi has demonstrated his strength on the issues while running for this seat. He has greatly improved as a candidate, and is now an experienced campaigner and ready for the task. Having a primary will give Manan a chance to demonstrate his abilities and intellect to the electorate. With the initial support he has listed, he is sure to tie up this nomination and move on to November. Costello has limited campaigning experience because he was appointed to become County Commissioner and won reelection in a Republican controlled county, so he never had to fight for his election. Manan knows what it takes and enters this race with eyes wide open and committed to representing the people of the 6th.
Mike Parrish should have stayed a Republican, but he jumped the gun.
Since both Dem candidates are military, here is a quote:
“WE(Marines)LIVE LIKE SOLDIERS, TALK LIKE SAILORS, AND SLAP THE HELL OUT OF BOTH OF THEM.
Oohrah!!!!!
Third time’s the charm !