Elections: The League of Humane Voters - Central Pennsylvania Chapter

Elections 2007 & 2008

November 6th, 2007 is history now... and our congratulations go out to the candidates who won their races, and our condolences go to those who did not emerge victorious. While we wish all of our endorsed candidates had won, we did see 6 of our 11 candidates win their races, and we look forward to increasing our impact and improving our success rate for the November 2008 election.

The League of Humane Voters does deliver the vote, and will continue to educate voters, add to our membership of voters who watch our endorsements before they go to the polls, and to work with legislators, judges, and other officials to make sure Pennsylvania moves in the right direction for animals and the environment.

Please view our results by clicking on the races below:

County Commissioner:

Craig Lehman *** WINNER ***

Craig has been our first choice since before the primary, because of his statements about the connections between humans and animals and the need for us to prevent cruelty to animals if we're ever going to be compassionate to our fellow humans. This core value is key to any leader consistently making the ethical, moral, and appropriate choices that are essential for creating justice, safety, and a high quality of life. He's stated his desire to preserve farmland in Lancaster County, and his ideas for confining development to areas already developed, rather than peppering the county with houses and corporate parks, are good ones. He's got a strong record in fiscal management, and unlike the candidates who speak of nearly nothing but money, he understands that there are things that matter, things we must do, and we may need to spend money to do them. He will be a great steward for not just the budget, but the quality of life in Lancaster County as well.

Molly Henderson		Jere Swarr
Molly has been supportive of our desire to put an end to using poison to manage wildlife, and her consistent stand on preserving farmland is undeniable and of tremendous value to the County, now and in the future. She has a strong record on this, and we support her remaining a County Commissioner.		Jere's record in Rapho Township, preserving farmland and keeping much of that region green, is great. He's actually been a farmer, and he supports farming in ways that don't pollute and that help sustain both the farmer and the earth. He's honest, hard-working, and there isn't a candidate more motivated to do a good job.

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Lancaster City Council:

Brian Reynolds

When asked about his willingness to regulate dog chaining and dog ownership as it relates to limiting the ability of those involved in dog fighting to stay in business, Brian stated that he'd support that, and that he also favored expanding what's considered abuse of companion animals -- and to include not just dogs, but cats. Having recently worked with him in resolving feral cat issues in the city, we know he favors pragmatic and compassionate choices -- and sees how these do not have to be contradictory concepts. This enlightened viewpoint bodes well for his ability to make humane and just decisions for ALL of Lancaster City's residents.

Nelson Polite *** WINNER ***

Nelson Polite has served Lancaster City for decades -- and his vision for the City and his innate sense of justice and fairness is clear to anyone who has looked at his record, heard him speak, or seen how he makes decisions when issues come before the City Council. His is a face we hope to see on Lancaster City Council for another term, so his wealth of experience and determination to do what's right can benefit our citizens as we move into a new phase in the life of Lancaster City. We know that when we come before the Council to ask for increased regulation of companion animal ownership and care, he'll have an open mind, a humane perspective, and the experience to help us make our goals a reality.

Joe Morales *** WINNER ***

Kathleen Harrison

Joe Morales' strong statements against dog fighting, stating unequivocally that it's wrong and must be stopped in the City, make him a candidate we're proud to endorse. While other candidates felt that existing regulations would suffice to control dog fighting and reduce dog chaining, we feel that we can count on Mr. Morales to work with us to stamp out these abuses.

Kathleen's suggestion that the same reporting of suspected child abuse by firefighters and police could be applied to animal cruelty is a great one, and one that the LOHV intends to pursue. Her experience as a nurse for the Youth Intervention Center makes her a compassionate, yet pragmatic candidate, and her willingness to suggest not just use of existing regulation but a new program was inspiring to us.

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Lancaster Court of Common Pleas:

Heidi Eakin

Heidi's willingness to state that she takes animal cruelty cases seriously -- unlike other judicial candidates who chose to hide behind obtuse references to objectivity -- is a big factor in our endorsing her for Judge in the Court of Common Pleas. She stated that the LOHV should "Keep fighting the fight; it's such a good cause." We couldn't agree more! Doing Akita rescue in her personal life shows us she's committed to helping animals, and while of course she views all cases objectively, it's important that she was able to proudly state that animal abuse is a serious offense deserving of appropriate sentencing and the same thorough prosecution that any other violent crime deserves. Voters can count on this kind of compassionate strength in all her rulings, and she'll be an asset to the court.

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Pennsylvania Supreme Court:

Seamus McCaffery *** WINNER ***

Seamus McCaffery is committed to improving the way the legal system works to protect and serve all Pennsylvanians -- including protecting animals from abuse and to pave the legal road for fair, just, and compassionate laws and their application in cases of animal cruelty. His judicial experience and his impeccable record, combined with his personal commitment to the issues of fairness, compassion, and humane treatment of all creatures tells us a great deal about his character, and we're proud to endorse him. Judge McCaffery's devotion to charities, and his personal commitment to doing good whenever he can tells us a great deal about the kind of Supreme Court Justice he'll be.

Debra Todd *** WINNER ***

Debra Todd is an experienced judge, a compassionate person, and will be an undeniable asset on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. We know we can count on her to protect any victim of abuse through her interpretation of laws, and to make Pennsylvania a better place for all species to live.

ATTENTION!!! *** AND SHE LOST!!! ****

We would suggest that anyone who cares about animals and the fair prosecution of animal cruelty cases NOT vote for Maureen Lally-Green, who has actually helped lawyers fight animal cruelty convictions by twisting the application of existing law. She is NO friend to supporters of humane issues, and is actually a blight on the legal landscape.

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Judicial Referendum:

Vote YES to Retain Justice SAYLOR *** WINNER ***

Justice Saylor has been a friend to animals in his decisions and opinions on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and is an asset to the state's judicial system. Vote YES to retain him.

District Magistrate:

Mike Branner

Mike Branner has spent more than 25 years in law enforcement. His credentials in preventing crime and improving safety for Lancaster's citizens are impeccable. When informed of our endorsement, which was based on his answers to our questions about how he'd handle animal abuse cases that come before him, he stated, "Having had pets all my life, I really appreciate what the League of Humane Voters does for animal rights. Without your help, who would be their voice? It's a lot of work, but it's worth it." We're proud to endorse Mike for District Magistrate.

Lancaster County Sheriff:

Luis Rodriguez

You might not think that the Sheriff or the Sheriff's department would be involved with preventing animal cruelty, but this candidate would see to it becoming a priority. Luis Rodriguez' experience as a police officer, bringing drug dealers (who use animals for protection) to justice, showed us that he sees how abuse can take many forms. He would vigorously pursue dog fighting cases, and understands the connection between how a society treats animals and how its vulnerable human members are treated. He's an honest, experienced, dedicated officer, and the logical choice for Sheriff in Lancaster County.

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