"Brown Gets Backing In The 13th."

The Philadelphia Enquirer ^ | November 20, 2003 | Carrie Budoff

[Clintonfatigued]

Ophthamologist Melissa Brown pulled farther ahead of the Republican pack when she received the endorsement of Republican Montgomery County Commissioner Jim Matthews.

[Clintonfatigued]

PING!

[Impy]

Is she a Greenwoodesque RINO or is she ok?

[JohnnyZ]

Not terrible, but not so good either.

[Clintonfatigued]

For the most part, Dr. Brown falls into the RINO catagory. However, Montgomery County is RINO country, and she is far better choice than the current Congressman (Joe Hoeffel), or any of the 'Rats in the running.

[AuH2ORepublican]

Not only did Commissioner Matthews endorse Melissa Brown, Montco Assistant DA Christian Marrone (a pro-life Italian Catholic from Philly whose father-in-law is Democrat State Senator Vincent Fumo and who would have been perfect for the district) dropped out of the race and endorsed Brown as well. It seems like the only person standing in Brown's way for the nomination is two-time mayoral runner-up Sam Katz, who is rumored to be considering a bid (he would have to move into NE Philly, which was his strongest area in his two mayoral runs). Whether Brown or Katz is more liberal, I don't know, but both of them probably could be fairly described as RINOs.

[AuH2ORepublican]

Oh yeah, here are the links to the articles regarding Marrone dropping out and Katz considering a run:

http://www.politicspa.com/Press_Releases/112503Marrone.htm

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/pennsylvania/cities_neighborhoods/philadelphia/7342826.htm

[Clintonfatigued]

It sounds like Katz is more liberal. But, in any case, Dr. Brown is the one with the name I.D., money, and a near-win against a 'Rat incumbent in 2002. I figure she will be battling it out with Allyson Schwartz in the fall.

[AuH2ORepublican]

"Dr. Brown is the one with the name I.D., money, and a near-win against a 'Rat incumbent in 2002."

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If Katz enters the race, you can bet he'll be able to match Brown's fundraising. I would be tempted to welcome Katz into the fray, since he can split the RINO vote and allow a conservative to win, but the only conservatives in the race(Al Taubenberger and maybe 24-year State Rep. Dennis O'Brien) are both from Philly and would be hurt by a Katz candidacy.