Election Guide for April 2024
This Tuesday we have a primary election coming up here in Pennsylvania. I've reviewed the candidates on the ballot in my locale and here are my thoughts on those candidates, along with the sources I used to come to these conclusions.
President of the United States
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Joseph R. Binden Jr.
- I think Joe Biden has actually been a pretty effective President. But in my opinion, he should not have run for a second term. We don't need a repeat of the same election we held before; we need new ideas and new leaders. If Biden had chosen not to run for a second term, then all anyone would be talking about would be the exciting race to be the person who beats Donald Trump.
- None of this matters, technically, because before Pennsylvania ever voted, he already had enough votes to win the nomination. I'm still going to vote to express my opinion.
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Dean Phillips [ENDORSED]
- Is running, and isn't a nutcase.
I am endorsing Dean Phillips
United States Senator
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Robert P. Casey Jr. [ENDORSED]
- Is the only candidate running.
I am endorsing Robert Casey
Attorney General
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Jack Stollsteimer
- https://www.jackforag.com/about
- Mentions mental health as a specific challenge for the AG to address
- From Havertown -- my daughter knew his kids since middle school
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Eugene DePasquale [ENDORSED]
- https://www.depasqualeforag.com/issues
- Previous auditor general who transformed the office
- Adjunct at U-Pitt
- On issues, makes somewhat general statements about specific challenges, but does mention LGBTQ and generally I like the way he expresses things and the list of issues he focuses on.
- Raised a lot less money than other candidates, and from smaller doners
I am endorsing Eugene DePasquale. His record as Auditor General wins me over -- what can he do with THIS office? -
Joe Khan
- https://www.joekhan.com/justice
- I'm just not all that impressed by his positions on the issues or his list of issues.
-
Keir Bradford-Grey
- https://www.keirforag.com/
- Her positions seem to make some good points, but it doesn't land impactfully with me.
- She has a very minimal website that doesn't say much about why to vote for her.
-
Jared Solomon
- https://www.jaredsolomon.com/issues
- PA National guard and State Representative
- Has good, specific details on the issues.
- Probably my second choice.
Auditor General
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Malcolm Kenyatta [ENDORSED]
- https://www.malcolmkenyatta.com/new-page
- Currently in the General Assembly as one of the first openly LGBTQ+ members.
- Mentions several specifics -- things like doing audits of schools (including cyber charter schools)
I am endorsing Malcolm Kenyatta. -
Mark Pinsley
- https://www.votemarkpinsley.com/
- Says he'll use the office, but doesn't say a lot about how.
State Treasurer
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Ryan Bizzarro [ENDORSED]
- https://www.teambizzpa.com/issues
- A few useful sounding things in the "issues" section.
- Comes across as "rather wonkey" about finance. Which is exactly what I want in a treasurer!
I am endorsing Ryan Bizzarro. -
Erin McClelland
- https://erinmcclelland.com/
- Says a lot about better transparency, with a bunch of specifics
Representative in Congress
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Mary Gay Scanlon [ENDORSED]
- Currently holds the office
- Is the only candidate running.
I am endorsing Mary Gay Scanlon
Senator in the General Assembly
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Amanda M. Cappelletti [ENDORSED]
- Currently holds the office
- Is the only candidate running.
I am endorsing Amanda M. Cappelletti
Representative in the General Assembly
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Greg Vitali [ENDORSED]
- Currently holds the office
- Is the only candidate running.
I am endorsing Greg Vitali
Delegate to Democratic National Convention (vote for 8)
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Jennifer O'Mara [ENDORSED]
- Is running.
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Ryan N. Boyer Sr. [ENDORSED]
- Is running.
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Tanya V. Allen [ENDORSED]
- Is running.
-
Emilio A. Buitrago [ENDORSED]
- Is running.
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Gina H. Curry [ENDORSED]
- Is running.
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Thomas J. Deluca [ENDORSED]
- Is running.
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Monica Taylor [ENDORSED]
- Is running.
There are only 7 running -- I am endorsing all of them. Maybe I'll write in myself as an 8th.