Allegheny Independent Media

Allegheny Independent Media

Local Democratic Field Organizer John Soyka

This afternoon I spoke with field organizer John Soyka. During the 2022 election, he was a field organizer for the PA Democratic Party. He was responsible for Cambria, Indiana, Westmoreland, and Armstrong Counties with nine races to cover from U.S. Senate and Governor to the State House. We discussed the data from the last election.Continue reading “Local Democratic Field Organizer John Soyka”

Thanksgiving Reflections on the Election in Cambria County

Fifteen days have passed since November 9. The red wave turned out to be a ripple on the national level. Just as the GOP barely gained control of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Democrats barely gained control of the PA state house for the first time since 2010. The Democrats gained a net ofContinue reading “Thanksgiving Reflections on the Election in Cambria County”

Exit polls explain Democratic Victories in Pennsylvania

The people at the Trump rally last week in Latrobe must have been disappointed with Tuesdays election outcome. Victories for Democrats in Pennsylvania included State Sen. Doug Mastriano lost to Attorney General Josh Shapiro to become the next Governor of Pennsylvania, 56% to 42%. Likewise, Dr. Mehmet Oz lost to Lt Gov John Fetterman forContinue reading “Exit polls explain Democratic Victories in Pennsylvania”

My Experience at the Trump, Mastriano, Oz Rally

Yesterday, Nov 5, 2022, I went to the Latrobe Airport to experience the Trump, Mastriano, Oz save America rally. I waited in line for 3 hours until I got to the metal detectors and the Secret Service. Reporters from Japan, UK, France and other countries were there to cover the event. As you can seeContinue reading “My Experience at the Trump, Mastriano, Oz Rally”

Chuck Pennacchio on the State of Democracy in Pennsylvania, the U.S., and Beyond

Today I had a nice conversation with Healthcare for All PA founder, former U.S. Senate candidate, and historian Chuck Pennacchio on Democracy in Pennsylvania and the U.S. He has written for Oped News on ways to fight fascism. We discussed a variety of topics such as the state of democracy in Pennsylvania and the U.S.,Continue reading “Chuck Pennacchio on the State of Democracy in Pennsylvania, the U.S., and Beyond”

PA Democrats Coming Down to the Wire in the ’22 Midterms

The PA Senate race is coming down to the wire for Democrats. The PA Senate debate between Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and Dr. Mehmet Oz elicited a mixed reaction from pundits. John Nichols at The Nation magazine said Fetterman was brave to debate Oz while still recovering from his stroke. Steve Peoples and Marc LevyContinue reading “PA Democrats Coming Down to the Wire in the ’22 Midterms”

Rally for Reproductive Rights in Johnstown

On Sunday, September 11, 20-30 people gathered in Johnstown’s Central Park to protest efforts to limit Women’s right to abortion in Pennsylvania. The Johnstown Rally for our Reproductive Rights was organized by Adrienne and Kierson Daily. Kierson Daily read a statement from Rachel Allen paying homage to the victims of Sept 11, 2001. Rachel AllenContinue reading “Rally for Reproductive Rights in Johnstown”

Who’s ahead in Midterms? Depends on How Poll Sample is Selected

The 2022 midterm elections are upon us. Usually the party that is out of power gains seats but this year may be different. Above is the list of recent generic congressional polls published by Real Clear Politics (RCP). The question in these polls generally take the form, “In general, for whom do you plan toContinue reading “Who’s ahead in Midterms? Depends on How Poll Sample is Selected”

Netroots Nation Reflections #NN22

It has been one week since the Netroots Nation Conference. I wouldn’t have gone if it weren’t in Pittsburgh. I was hoping to meet more famous names. I did get to meet Rep. Ilhan Omar D-Mn. There were many good professional political operatives there. Her keynote address is below. I did get two interviews withContinue reading “Netroots Nation Reflections #NN22”

Veronica Coptis of the Center for Coalfield Justice @ Netroots Nation

I’m learning a lot here at the Netroots Nation Conference. At a panel on the influence of money in Pennsylvania Politics there was a discussion of how billionaires like Philadelphia’s Jeff Yass have poured money into the Political scene to influence local and state elections. I spoke with panelist Veronica Coptis, Executive Director of theContinue reading “Veronica Coptis of the Center for Coalfield Justice @ Netroots Nation”