We Do Not Endorse David Oh
Today, in Gar Joseph's column "Clout," an article appeared about GOP City Council Candidate David Oh, and it said this:
GO to a political event, there's David Oh.
Go for a drive, he's on a billboard.
Look on YouTube, he's got a video.
Check the Web, he's got a site. Open your newspaper, there's his full-page ad.
We recently went to Municipal Judge Patrick Dugan's swearing-in ceremony. David Oh was holding the flag in a military honor guard.
That's a lot of Oh. He's running for City Council at large, which could be the fall election's most competitive race.
He's been endorsed by the Libertarians on the right and Young Philly Politics on the left. He has the backing of labor unions and the Chamber of Commerce political-action committee. He's been supported by gay groups and by fundamentalist ministers.
Somebody must be confused.
I know who is confused: Gar Joseph.
Young Philly Politics has not, and will not endorse David Oh running for City Council. Ain't gonna happen. I might like to see him win, but no, we will not endorse him.
Why? Well, for starters, he is a Republican. So, there is that. And while I know party labels in Philly are 'interesting,' I would never endorse someone who in 2006 passed out literature and did GOTV work for Rick Santorum and Lynn Swann. I understand with the system we have on Council, that the minority party seats could be won by a progressive. But if that was the goal, that person could do it under the Green party, Working Families Party, etc. Not the party of George Bush and Rick Santorum.
Gar is a good writer, generally 'gets' the internet (as Philly sports bloggers know) and I am sure we will get a correction. But again, no, we do not endorse David Oh.
Oh, Thanks For The Press!!!
YPP may not endorse David Oh, but he can definely thank you for all the press he has received on this site. All this might give him the little lift that he needs.
Junior Williams
juniorwililams007@earthlink.net
http://mycityscapephily.eponym.com/blog
Thanks Dan.
Obviously, there's a difference between being endorsed ON YPP and being endorsed BY YPP. I will correct that. In return, you can correct my name. And, no, I'm not trying to distance myself from Babette.
more clarification for Gar
YPP has only ever endorsed in the 2007 primary and in the 2005 primary. In 07, endorsements were decided by Dan and I who edit this blog.
YPP is a generally open site though, so some people may have posted about David Oh, but that is not an endorsement at all.
I am also curious what the gay groups that have endorsed David are that you refer to?
D'Oh!
Guess this one calls for a big: D'Oh!
Wow, couldn't resist that. Especially since when I was in college, a young woman named "Oh" successfully ran for Student Council by writing "D'Oh!" all over campus.
---
The Russellian Incorporated Innovations Corporation
Lefty Homilies
Interview for Mr. Oh
I wrote Mr. Oh a month or two ago through his campaign website requesting an interview either at my house or his office. He never responded.
At any rate Mr. Oh, although you won't be getting an endorsement from YPP, if you'd like an interview, feel free to contact me. Alternatively, maybe you could write up some of your specific ideas on Council legislation and post about them.
--Mike
Weeds in the Sidewalk
Interview
Hi Mike,
Sorry, I did not get your request. I'd be happy to interview with you either at you house or my office.
These days are super hectic because we are in the last month of a contested race. While I am in the lead, I am still a "grassroots" candidate and the "machine" will push hard to keep my voters at home while.
I am not ususally in the office as I must be out speaking with the voters. Shoot me an email at my regular e-mail...davidoh@fast.net.
Take care,
David
You have the power...I hope you use it.
The discussion on YPP involved "Progressive Democrats" who want "Philly for Change" to endorse me. "Philly for Change" is a political advocacy group for progressive, "good government" types. I spoke to the group last week.
Many "good government" Democrats are supporting my campaign because of the issues I advocate and my history of service behind those issues. Of course, they know I am a Republican. They support me because they are leaders who care about this city and its future. There could not be a more distinct difference between the Republican candidates who are running in this election. Whichever Republican wins will impact the entire City Council and effect the ability of "good government" candidates to win elections for years to come.
I am not the kind of Republican who avoids important elections. I also don't vote for the worst candidate just because he/she is a Republican. I have voted for and financially supported many Democrats who I beleived were the best persons to help the people of our city. I put the interest of the people first. That's why, even as a Republican, I have such strong "grassroots" support in neighborhoods all across out city.
As you know, I served as an Assistant D.A. and an Officer in the U.S. Army Special Forces. I have served on the boards many organization which deal with the problems facing our city including Community College of Philadelphia, Mayor's Commission on Literacy, Police Advisory Commission, The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, Nazareth Hospital, Hahnemann Univeristy, WYBE Public Television, Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, Crime Prevention Association and Walnut Street Theater.
The Teamsters, SEIU, UFCW 1776, The Black Clergy, FOHP, Jerry Mondesire (President of the NAACP and Publisher of the Sunday Sun), Sam Katz, Wendell Young, III, Anne O'Callaghan, Bo Diaz, Rev. Shine and many, many others, have endorsed me. I ask for your support, as well.
To better understand my vision and agenda for our city, visit my website at www.DavidOh.org.
Thank you,
David Oh
Mr. Oh. Thanks for the
Mr. Oh.
Thanks for the response and welcome to YPP. I appreciated the gist of your post, I'd love to get more insight into what you thing about specific issues such as zoning reform, making city government more effective and community policing, among other topics. While I understand that getting specific is always difficult, I think it would help many folks to make up their mind about supporting you. That said, from what I have seen from afar, I do hope you win.
--Mike
Weeds in the Sidewalk