A Message from Chairman Marcel Groen

Post date: Nov 11, 2010 9:23:4 PM

Dear Friend:

It is now a little over a week since the Big Wave washed across the United States and through Pennsylvania leaving behind it a trail of shattered dreams and a political map that shows a bunch of tough, pot-holed roads on the way back to a Democratic majority.

In Montgomery County, however, the levees held. The more I look at the results the more heartened I become. The results speak for themselves. Both Dan Onorato and Joe Sestak carried Montgomery County. We were one of only four counties in Pennsylvania to provide pluralities to both.

Unfortunately, Rick Taylor, a truly fine man and wonderful legislator lost, but Matt Bradford won against heavy odds, and our other incumbents with majority Montgomery County districts, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz and State Representatives Tim Briggs, Larry Curry, Mike Gerber and Josh Shapiro all won handily.

These results are indisputable evidence of the strength of our organization and the people in it. To perform as well as we did in the face of such significant negative forces is truly remarkable, and put us in an enviable position as we begin preparations for next year's county and local elections.

I want to thank everyone for working so hard during this campaign. I can honestly say that given the political storm clouds that were on the horizon, I have never seen a more energized and hardworking group of candidates, volunteers, campaign workers and committee people. Your commitment and belief in what the Democratic Party stands for is admirable.

I especially want to thank all of our candidates and tell them how proud I am of their efforts, their talents and their character. A special thank you to Rick Taylor, who over the last four years has proven to be a champion of those less fortunate and an example of the kind of person we need in Harrisburg. I have no doubt that Rick will remain committed to the ideals he represented and it will be our pleasure and honor to support his political endeavors in the future.

Congratulations to our winners who persevered despite tough odds. They will represent us well in Harrisburg and Washington and will be the base from which we build future victories.

Because of all your hard work, we did our job. Democratic turnout in Montgomery County was good, and we got our vote out. Unfortunately, some Democrats (I believe primarily the so-called Reagan Democrats) voted for Republican candidates. As a party, we must do a much better job of communicating our message and our accomplishments to the voters.

We weathered the storm well, and we are poised for a great 2011. Thank you all very much.

Sincerely,

Marcel Groen

Chairman

Montgomery County Democratic Committee