Democratic officials meet to discuss efforts
The Butler County Democratic Committee held its annual fall dinner Friday, where public officials, political candidates and registered Democrats met to network and hear about upcoming races.
Several candidates for local offices attended the dinner at the Butler County Country Club, including County Commissioner Kevin Boozel and Butler city councilman Bob Dandoy.
Democratic judge candidates also attended and spoke, including Commonwealth Court candidates David Spurgeon and Lori Dumas, and Superior Court candidates Timika Lane and Maria McLaughlin.
Candidates for other offices also attended to speak with the state officials in attendance, such as Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and Allegheny County executive Rich Fitzgerald.
Fetterman discussed a few cases of voter fraud in the state performed by Republicans, the minimum wage, and pending legislation regarding voter rights and voter suppression. He also stressed the importance of voting.
Fetterman, who is running in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, praised the guests in attendance for their efforts, and said their support of Democratic candidates and policies in a majority-Republican county like Butler is important.
“It is hard being a Democrat in a red county,” Fetterman said. “You lose friends, you get ostracized, you get cussed out because you want your kids to wear a mask.
“It shouldn't be that way, but it is.”
Fitzgerald also spoke at the dinner, and said the upcoming elections for judges are important, although they don't generate as much hype as races for U.S. Senate and president.
“I know people don't often get excited about judicial races,” Fitzgerald said. “The fact is those races really matter.”
Both Fetterman and Fitzgerald praised President Joe Biden, U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-17th, and Gov. Tom Wolf.
Catherine Lalonde, chairwoman of Butler County Democratic Committee, said the past year has been a whirlwind for the committee due to increased interest in national and local politics.
She said people who were newcomers to the political activism arena played a large role in the county party's growth.
“We were overwhelmed with the demand for Biden-Harris signs,” Lalonde said. “People who had never been involved were desperate to do anything to support the cause. There was great enthusiasm for our rush-hour rallies.”
Lalonde said the efforts of local party members, volunteers and activists help make a difference in the committee's cause, and overall have proven to help Democratic candidates win elections across the state and country.
“People need to know we're here,” she said. “They have to see us and they have to hear us, through Facebook, our email, our website, letters to the editor and outreach at community events.”
