Even the self-described Progressives among Delaware County Democratic Committee (DCDC) members, would be challenged to cite any “wrong votes” that Greg Vitali might have cast in the Pennsylvania House, over the nearly thirty years that he has represented the 166th District. But his 100%-Progressive legislative voting history didn’t stop the Delco Dems from endorsing David Brown over Vitali in the May 17, 2022 Primary Election.
Andrew Geer, who according to his Facebook profile is a “Campaign Consultant at Delco Victory 2021,” and who, according to his Linkedin profile, is a “Campaign Consultant” (Intern) for the David Brown State House Campaign” – responded to the question “Why was Brown endorsed over Vitali” as follows –
largely bc Greg Vitali is unfortunately the least active legislator in Harrisburg and bc David Brown for State Representative would fill that crucial vote with vigor and passion. David is young [emphasis added], progressive, and an activist for change where Greg has sadly fell short.
“Young Brown” is still in his early thirties, while “Old Vitali” will turn 66 in June.
In addition to the DCDC, Brown has also been endorsed by the Working Families Party (WFP). Presumably, his vigor and passion will enable him to get the kind of progressive legislation that WFP would approve of – passed into law – through a Republican-controlled State House and State Senate – something that Vitali and the other 89 less vigorous and less passionate House Democrats have been unable to do, over the course of the last decade.
Not The First Time That Vitali is Running As “The Unendorsed Candidate” In the Democratic Primary
In 1992, a 35-year-old Vitali defeated a 29-year-old, DCDC-endorsed Jack Stollsteimer in the Democratic Primary. Vitali went on to become the first Democrat since the Civil War to defeat a Republican in that district. Since then, Vitali has won 14 consecutive general elections.
In 2021, Stollsteimer also made history, becoming the first Democrat since the Civil War to be elected Delaware County District Attorney.
Philadelphia Inquirer – November 4, 1992