Sources: Hoeffel (D) Will Run for Senate (Pennsylvania)

PoliticsPA.com ^ | 6/20/03

[LdSentinal]

Sources have confirmed to PoliticsPA that Congressman Joseph Hoeffel has decided to run for the Democratic nomination for Senate in 2004, but a formal announcement may be weeks away. The only other announced Democratic candidate has been Penn Future leader John Hanger, while former software company founder and CEO, musician, and philanthropist Charlie Crystle continues to mull a Senate bid.

An open seat in the 13th Congressional District will be one of 2004's most contested races. The only announced Republican candidate for Congress, Ellen Bard, is likely to face stiff competition from 2002 nominee Dr. Melissa Brown, who came within four points of defeating Hoeffel. Other potential Republican candidates include County Commissioner Jim Matthews, 2002 candidate Al Taubenberger, and former congressman John Fox. On the Demcoratic side, potential candidates include former Philadelphia City Manager Joe Martz, former Congressman Bob Borski, Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel, and former Hoeffel Chief of Staff Joshua Shapiro.

Also considering a bid is Pennsylvania Association of Health Underwriters Legislative Chair, Democrat Ross Schriftman. Schriftman ran for a State House seat in 1974 and 1976, and later served as the National Committeeman for the Young Democrats of Pennsylvania.

[LdSentinal]

Ping

[JohnnyZ]

Both Ellen Bard and Melissa Brown are pro-abortion.

[The Old Hoosier]

What about Jim Matthews--is that Chris Matthews' conservative brother?

[JohnnyZ]

{chuckle} dunno 'bout Jim Matthews, but Taubenberger is pro-life.

[jmaroneps37]

Dr. Brown, start measuring Joe's office for new curtains.

[JohnnyZ]

He IS Chris's brother, dunno about his politics.

No crap . . . I knew Hardball was from PA, but . . .

All I could find was that he (JimMat) was one of the party committee nominees for county commish, which could be good or bad.

[Impy]

Thanks for the ping.

This an unusual seat, Gore won it by a wide margin but their is a slight GOP registration edge.

Given that Hoeffel barley won last year though I assume we will pick it up.

[Impy]

Yes.

Do you think a pro-lifer can win it?

[Kuksool]

Hoeffl must be smelling blood from the upcoming GOP primary between Toomey and Spector. I hope the GOP primary doesn't wind up being a blood bath.

[Impy]

It probably will be brutal unless Specter get's scared and decides to retire.

He probably won't, he really wants that committee chairmanship.

[votelife]

hard to imagine grass roots GOP will let Spectre, strongly pro-abortion be judiciary chair. As Daschle would say, I would be very "dissapointed."

[Impy]

I think the senate goes strictly by senority in dealing with chairmanships.

[The Old Hoosier]

If it's Chris Matthews' brother, then he's conservative. I've heard about this guy.

[Mo1]

Sources have confirmed to PoliticsPA that Congressman Joseph Hoeffel has decided to run for the Democratic nomination for Senate in 2004, but a formal announcement may be weeks away.

Hoffel for the Senate Seat???

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA .... That is tooooooo funny

[Mo1]

All I could find was that he (JimMat) was one of the party committee nominees for county commish, which could be good or bad.

Jim Matthews is the County Commisioner for Montgomery Country, PA