PA-13: Alan Grayson Fundraises For Leach

Written by Vincent Smith, Contributing Writer

State Sen. Daylin Leach faces a dense field in his quest to capture the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania’s 13th district – but he now has a powerful congressional player on his side.

Popular progressive Florida Congressman Alan Grayson will host a fundraiser to promote Leach’s campaign on January 14th in Washington D.C., promoting Leach’s place as one of the more progressive candidates in the four-way primary with former Congresswoman Marjorie Margolies, physician Val Arkoosh and State Rep. Brendan Boyle.

The event will take place at Bullfeathers Restaurant. Tickets range from $100 to $2,500.

Leach, a progressive politician in his own right, is leaving behind a lauded legacy as the leader of the Pa. Senate Democratic Campaign Committee.

The senator representing Pennsylvania’s Senatorial 17th district is vying for a congressional position that is currently held by congresswoman Allyson Schwartz. Schwartz is not seeking re-election, as she is campaigning for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming gubernatorial primary.

Pennsylvania’s 13th congressional district covers Northeast Philadelphia as well as surrounding areas Northwest of the city.

An internal poll from the Margolies campaign in August of 2013 revealed that she was leading in popularity amongst the candidates at that time. Leach came up third in that poll, netting only 7 percent of the vote.

But the support of Grayson could most certainly help Leach moving forward. Grayson, one of the more popular progressives in the House of Representatives, is known for his strong stances on the expansion of Medicaid, support for public schooling and belief in environmental protection policies. More importantly, Grayson is an outspoken and widely known representative, and his support can go a long way in a closely contested Democratic race, particularly in getting D.C. progressives excited about Leach.

The Florida congressman assumed office in 2013 representing Florida’s 9th congressional district. He was the first Democratic representative of that district in 30 years.

January 8th, 2014 | Posted in Congress, Front Page Stories, Top Stories | 2 Comments