Opinion
Facing a challenging and crucial election this fall, you would think that the DCLMN (Democratic Committee of Lower Merion Narberth) would want to do everything it could to optimize the winning margin they will run up in November’s presidential election.
Here’s a suggestion that might help our local Democrats achieve that goal. Stage an event several months before November 5; at this event, you connect with like-minded voters and make sure you have their phone numbers and emails. Find out who wants to ring doorbells and who’s willing to drive folks to the polls.
Local Democrats should be able to use the networking event described above to improve November turnout from the 80-something percent they achieved in 2020, to possibly reaching a threshold of above 90% this year.
So, wouldn’t it make sense that the party would want to optimize the turnout for this networking event rather than discourage people from showing up for it?
Well, guess what? This networking event is already scheduled for April 24, and it’s called the primary election. And DCLMN appears ready to miss another opportunity to miss an opportunity.
The party can endorse Mary Jo Daley for her seventh term representing the 148th Legislative District tonight. By endorsing Mary Jo, DCLMN and Whitemarsh Democrats will turn this year’s legislative seat primary into another non-event, just like the previous five primaries for PA-148, when nobody’s name other than Mary Jo’s even appeared on the ballot.
Another uncontested or barely contested PA House race certainly won’t do anything to improve turnout in the primary.
The alternative would be if party members decided to hold an Open Primary for the seat. In that case, Jason Landau Goodman appears ready to launch his candidacy in opposition to Mary Jo’s. A Goodman candidacy has the earmarks of a serious, organized, and energized campaign.
If the committee opts for an Open Primary, Mary Jo would still be considered the favorite to win. Despite being a familiar face in the local political scene for over 30 years, Mary Jo still seems to have some fire left in her. She is more than capable of fending for herself if faced with an election challenge. Mary Jo might actually relish the opportunity to give the youngsters a fresh view of badass 1990s Mary Jo, who led the charge of Democrats breaking through the decades-old monopoly of Republican control in her hometown of Narberth.
If the committee decides to let Mary Jo and Jason compete, this race will generate a lot of interest, which will translate into a stronger turnout for the April 23 “networking event.”