Anne Dicker's web site is up, and she's challenging indicted Vince Fumo, a powerhouse in Pennsylvania politics, for the State Senate here. Yeah, I know this must be a surprise, me writing about a corrupt Democrat, but if we believe in good government, we've got to get rid of the corrupt people from both parties, and Vince Fumo is an embarrassment to Democratic ideals about good government. Fumo's's an indicted embarrassment, and the US Attorney's office's statement on the Fumo indictment is hard to ignore. I say we boot him out, and I just wrote a check for $100 to Anne Dicker's campaign.
Sure, I want to dwell on Fumo's indictments, but I think this post should be about Anne, as fine a candidate as you or I may see in state politics. She is young, honest and fervent in her ideals. While I may not be as strongly opinionated about the casino issues here in Philly, Anne has been steadfast in her advocacy for the neighborhoods in which those slots parlors are scheduled to be built. Hey, I've got a bit of an interest there, since I live in the city of Philadelphia, and am even thinking of moving nearer to the site of the Foxwoods casino, which is in a holding pattern so far, thanks in part to Anne's work. (No, I'm not sold on all the arguments against the casinos along the Delaware, but those issues are key to the possibility of my wife and I moving to that neighborhood, and so I'll be quizzing Anne next time I see her.)
Here's a little about Anne from her web site:
Anne Dicker first got involved in political organizing in April of 2003 after attending a Howard Dean for President meet-up at the Standard Tap in Northern Liberties. That night voters from around the Philadelphia region gathered to talk about the Iraq War, improving health care, and defeating George Bush in 2004.
Since then, Anne has dedicated herself to working for progressive political reform at the national, state and local levels. During the 2004 election, Anne coordinated thousands of volunteers and environmentalists from around the country with the League of Conservation Voters, and founded Philly for Change to give progressives a stronger voice in city politics.
Recognized for her highly successful and innovative organizing efforts, Anne was asked to join the National Advisory Board of Democracy for America (DFA) in 2005. Working with DFA members throughout the country, Anne was instrumental in stopping George Bush’s efforts to privatize Social Security. That same year, Anne joined Iraq War veteran Patrick Murphy’s antiwar congressional race as field director before leaving to run to represent the 175th district in the Pennsylvania House. She ran a groundbreaking grassroots campaign against candidates supported by the city’s two big political machines.
Anne was outraged by the way the General Assembly betrayed voters during the Pay Raise Scandal and the middle-of-the-night passage of the casino bill, authored by State Senator Vince Fumo. At the heart of her platform was a promise to reform the self-centered politics of Harrisburg and to put the concerns of citizens first. Her campaign was endorsed by PA Sierra Club, Philly NOW, PA Women’s Campaign Forum, and Philly for Change. Anne also received a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood, and was one of only six candidates running in local races to be endorsed by the national leadership of Democracy for America.
You can meet Anne Dicker at Philadelphia's Drinking Liberally, at least on some weeks when it is held. Sure, I've heard from Anne that she's not likely to be there this week, but I encourage you to come and ask her some questions in other Drinking Liberally events at Tangiers on Tuesdays (18th and Lombard in Philly during Happy Hour). Heck, email her and ask when she's showing up. But, most importantly, if you believe in good government, then consider donating to her campaign. In fact, we need a big campaign here to raise money for Anne's primary challenge to the ethically challenged Vince Fumo. Richard, I'll challenge you right now to make a donation. Yeah, somegirl, you, too. And I'm going to Drinking Liberally Philadelphia tonight and pestering a whole bunch of other folks for a donation. Further, my wife (a pro-choice Republican) and I will be hosting a "meet and greet" for Anne Dicker in January. $100 donation per head on that one, and if you want an invitation, drop me an email, OK? We'll be inviting Michael Nutter to that event. . . and he might even show up? Heck, who knows?
No, Vince Fumo has not, as far as we know, partaken of the illicit sexual highjinks that Republicans are becoming known for, but he's got all the other markings of a Republican, the corruption, the favors for friends, the sucking on the teat of the public dole. It's time we booted this guy out. I challenge everyone here to donate to her campaign and help Democrats live up to the high ideals of our party.
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