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At Official Schwank Nomination, Democrats Focus on O’Pake

Democrats today officially nominated former Berks County Commissioner Judy Schwank as their candidate for the special election to replace the late State Senator Mike O’Pake (D-11).

In a Harrisburg press conference announcing the decision, Schwank and Democratic officials focused on man she would be replacing.

“When I got to the Senate, Mike O’Pake showed me the ropes,” recalled Democratic State Senate Campaign Committee (DSSCC) Chairman Daylin Leach. “He took all of us under his wing. He was an inspiration to all of us. We were all honored to have known him, and it’s very sad that he’s no longer with us.”

“I could not be prouder of the candidate we’re recruited. I think we’ve done a good job for Senate Democratic Caucus, I think we’ve done a good job for the people of Berks County, but more than that, I think we’ve done right by Mike O’Pake,” Leach said.

“Judy not only is going to hit the ground running, she understands the hopes and the dreams of the people of Berks County. She understands the people, just like Mike did,” echoed Berks County Democratic Chairman Tom Herman.

Herman (left) and Leach (right) flank Schwank at today's press conference in Harrisburg

“Mike O’Pake was a mentor to me in many ways,” said Schwank. “I miss him greatly, and it’s somewhat intimidating to say that I would even attempt to fill his shoes. But I know that Berks County needs the kind of leadership that Mike had. He was hard working. He really cared about the people of Berks County and I think I share those qualities. I will never be him, but I will certainly do my best to serve the people of Berks.”

Schwank also talked about her experience working with Senator O’Pake.

“As a County Commissioner we worked closely on many issues. When we were taking about environmental issues or preserving farm land, Mike was my go-to person,” she said. “Mike was Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. I’m really anxious to see how I can get involved in it, because that’s my vocation.”

Despite the reflective tone, it was clear that Democrats are getting right to work. Representatives of the DSSCC were talking office space and logistics at party headquarters, and a stack of direct mail pieces from Schwank’s County Commissioner races lay out on a desk.

Berks County Democrats voted to recommend Schwank at a meeting on Saturday, and her approval by the state party was never in question. Indeed, PoliticsPA reported that the DSSCC had commissioned a poll in the race showing Schwank as the strongest candidate.

The Republican candidate is Register of Wills Larry Medaglia.

PoliticsPA was first to report that Schwank would likely earn the Democratic nomination, in December.

One Response

  1. Tom Herman: Ponytail heaven.
    Judy Schwank: Stole her outfit from the set of Sgt Peppers.

    Daylin Leach & the Dems: Best of luck.

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