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Second Dem Emerges Against Fitzpatrick in PA-8

Shaughnessy Naughton portrait
Shaughnessy Naughton

Shaughnessy Naughton, a former scientist and publisher, has thrown her hat in the ring and announced her intention to run for the Democratic nomination to challenge Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick in PA’s 8th congressional district.

Naughton’s official campaign website identifies her as a Point Pleasant native who was born and raised in Bucks County. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a B.A. in Chemistry in 1999, but after working for Wyeth Laboratories she decided to join her family’s publishing company in 2003.

According to her campaign bio “she now owns and manages all of the publishing company’s operations including magazine publishing, graphic design, and website development,” something that’s evident from her glossy site and professional profile photos.

“Shaughnessy’s perspective as a small business owner and a scientist will bring a totally unique and much-needed fresh approach to Washington D.C.” it says.

Naughton filed her statement of candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission on May 1, according to Chris Brennan of PhillyClout who first reported her candidacy.

This announcement comes just a week after another Democratic candidate running against Fitzpatrick, Kevin Strouse, was named one of the DCCC’s “Jumpstart” candidates. This designation signals that the Democratic organization believes Strouse, a Iraq War vet and former CIA officer, is a top recruit and will receive its early support.

Perhaps the biggest question raised then by Naughton’s announcement is whether the DCCC will continue to aide Strouse or back away and let a primary play out first.

Strouse’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Like Strouse, who moved to the district this spring shortly before he announced his bid, she may have a residency issue. A peek at Labels & Lists shows the only “Shaughnessy Naughton” registered to vote in Pa. is 35 and lives in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia. The law allows candidates to run for Congress even in districts where they don’t reside.

Her entry complicates the picture for other interest groups, like EMILY’s List, which also have prioritized Fitzpatrick’s defeat.

The Bucks County Republican has been a top target for Democrats nationally every year he’s been in office and 2014 will be no different. But despite a much ballyhooed race in 2012, he cruised to re-election by double digits.

To wit: so far this cycle the Democrats looking to challenge him are two political neophytes. More deeply rooted prospective candidates including elected officials have thus far taken a pass on a 2014 run, seeming to opt instead for 2016 when Fitzpatrick has said he will not seek re-election.

Keegan Gibson contributed to this report.

9 Responses

  1. Because of her opponent’s background, is she eligible for Secret Service Protection? The DSCC should just stay out and not waste their resources in a Primary

  2. Instead of challenging Fitzpatrick, the Democrats should be looking to challenge Senator Chuck McIlhaney. He’s alienated the Bucks County Republican Committee, he’s thumbed his nose at the conservative base by not supporting liquor privatization, he’s in the back pocket of a handful of special interests, he’s never held a real job in in his life …. the list goes on and on.

    A bright articulate, well educated woman would certainly give Chuckie a run. The fact that she is a business person is a big plus for her. Of course if a serious candidate emerges to run against the Senator they will undoubtedly be offered a deal they cand refuse in order to go away. So it would be a win win for any challenger.

  3. At least this woman is attractive. I looked better in a dress then Kathy Boockvar did for christ sakes.

  4. Calm down everyone, Fitzpatrick is going to win by a much larger margin than expected, as usual. Why do you think anyone reputable won’t run? And that the two contenders just MOVED into the district??

    Disclosure: I am a D. This race will be more hilarious than serious.

  5. She claims to be A SELF MADE SUCCESS STORY, but she’s running her “family’s business” that she didn’t make, most likely given to her? Fitzpatrick is a big government bureaucrat so there is not much difference between him and the two Democrats, which is why he easily won reelection.

  6. A Neophyte is exactly what Bucks County needs! Happy to see a strong business owner added to the mix.

  7. I don’t have a dog in the fight, but seriously “ConcernedVoter”. If you’re going to sockpuppet on political sites, I suggest making it less apparent…

  8. Finally a candidate I can get behind. It’s about time a common sense small business owner decided to run for office in Bucks County. She has my vote.

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