In DA's race, endorsements could be key

Five Democrats are competing to run against the lone Republican, who’s running unopposed in the primary.

The May 19th primary election is fast-approaching and in addition to City Controller, city residents who head to the polls will select a District Attorney candidate. Five Democrats are competing to run against the lone Republican, who’s running unopposed in the primary. With light turnout expected, the decision could hinge on endorsements.

Listen:
[audio: 090427lfda.mp3]

Franklin and Marshall College political science professor Terry Madonna says with such a crowded Democratic field, and only about 15 to 20% of registered voters expected to turn out at the polls, support and endorsements of groups like party and ward leaders, who can push election day turnout, could be significant.

Madonna: You have a variety of groups from the Bar Association to the Black Clergy to the unions that are certainly gonna weigh in in this election in one form or another. So to what degree are they active on behalf of one or more of the candidates will also be pretty decisive.

Democrats Dan McCaffery and Seth Williams both have long lists of endorsements from unions and other groups.

In May they’ll face off against Democrats Brian Grady, Dan McElhatton, and Michael Turner.