In a spirited and competitive contest that featured substantive addresses and answers to tough questions (see: www.PhillyForChange.com), Seth Williams last night won Philly For Change's District Attorney endorsement vote, getting 70% of the ballots cast. Candidates must get at least 60% of ballots in order for PFC to issue an endorsement. We're very pleased to be able make an endorsement, and to endorse Seth, in this critical and competitive race.

Seth Williams is a longtime member of Philly For Change, who has made regular appearances at meetups over the years, not just at those where he was scheduled to speak. This is his second PFC endorsement.

Seth's credentials as a progressive Democrat were never in doubt. PFC members may not agree with Seth about every issue (we do not agree on every issue amongst ourselves), but the vast majority of our members trusted Seth because of his consistent message common to our cause (he was, after all, one of the area's first and most active and vocal Obama supporters); because of his consistently showing up and voicing his support on PFC issues (Suggestion for future candidates: Don't disappear in between elections -- we want to hear from you); and, most of all, because of his experience as a manager in the D.A.'s office and his oft-imitated message of connecting attorneys in the D.A.'s office with actual neighborhoods.

Kudos to all of the candidates, each of whom showed up to meetup and took real and tough questions from PFC members. I can state with absolute honesty that I heard positive comments about each candidate from our people, whether it was about Dan McCaffery's authoritative and polished speech, Michael Turner's progressive positions, or Brian Grady's bold answers. This was no lesser-of-evils endorsement. Special kudos to second place finisher Dan McElhatton whose progressive politics impressed many.

PFC is jumping immediately into the action to help elect Seth. PFC members and friends are encouraged to show up for a Seth Williams canvass this Saturday, April 4 at 11:00 am (sharp, people) at Seth's Center City office 1500 Sansom Street, 4th floor. Give a call ahead at 888-SETH-4-DA (888-438-4432).

Watch this space for an endorsement in the City Controller's race too! All three candidates for that very important position (especially given the economy), addressed PFC members last night.

If you're progressive in Philly and you're missing PFC meetups, you're missing out. On top of all the candidates for the two big elections in Philly this year, the last two meetups have also featured Helen Gym and Jethro Haiko discussing casinos, Councilman Bill Green giving a tough, no-holds-barred assessment of the city budget, State Senator Larry Farnese giving his tough talk on the state budget, much casual bar talk with your judicial candidates, and humble me explaining how the Water Department wants to dig up Pine Street (and all its trees!) for three years, scarring and probably sacrificing most of Antique Row and possibly Giovanni's Room. Whew!

Our next meetup is Wednesday May 6 at 7:00 at Tritone. Consider this not just an announcement of Seth Williams' PFC endorsement on the road to victory, but as an invitation to meetup as well. Hope to see you there.

PFC folks, I'll see YOU at the Seth canvass!