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to promote civic engagement in the Philadelphia region.Seth Williams Wins Dem D.A. Nomination: Is this what you expected?
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 at 11:16 pm - by Alan Tu. Filed under: Politics.
Seth Williams
Conventional wisdom suggested that Seth Williams was the favorite going in to the Democratic primary, but with no public polls to act as a compass, it really seemed like the win could go to anyone of the candidates. That feeling was reinforced when Daniel McCaffery (man with the TV $$$ ads) led in the election returns for more than hour. Also, I kept wondering if Dan McElhatton’s recent endorsements by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and The Philadelphia Daily News were going to translate into votes. But Seth Williams managed to motivate his supporters into action and to the polls.
So, What do you think? Are you surprised by tonight’s election returns in the D.A.’s race?
Election Category: DISTRICT ATTORNEY-D90.35 % 1516/1678 Precincts Completed.Overall winner(s) Denoted by Winner vs Runner(s) up
Election Category: DISTRICT ATTORNEY-R90.35 % 1516/1678 Precincts Completed.Overall winner(s) Denoted by Winner vs Runner(s) up
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May 20th, 2009 at 10:31 am
I agree that this was Seth Williams’ campaign to lose. Generally, the goal of a well run campaign is: frame the race, frame your opponent, and distinguish yourself. Dan McCaffery clearly made an impact on diminishing Seth’s returns, but never really presented himself as a viable alternative. Though McCaffery presented his bio, he failed to disseminate his policy positions in an effective manner.
In fact, had Dan McElhatton been able to raise more money, I think he could have pulled off a Nutter-esque last minute sweep, much like when Brady and Knox were running each other through the mud in ’07. Williams and McCaffery found themselves in very much the same place, lobbing and responding to negatives, and getting away from policy. Perhaps, if Nutter had issued his endorsement earlier than Friday, McElhatton could have more time to turnaround a better media blitz than the last minute robo-dials.
In the end though, race still matters in Philadelphia politics- and this election had two high profile white candidates, and only one high profile black candidate. Clearly, early voting tabulations were from predominantly white areas, accounting for McCaffery’s early lead. Seth did his best to stay on the issues, despite being hit with some negatives that weren’t without merit (I’m referring to the early accounting issues, not the last-minute attacks.) I think ultimately, it’s why he’s the democratic nominee for District Attorney.