Dem Chair T.J. Rooney Will Not Run for Re-election
PA Dem Chairman T.J. Rooney and executive director Mary Isenhour are leaving next week as the party heads into the midterms.
PA Democratic Chairman T.J. Rooney reiterated that he will not run for re-election when state committee holds its reorganization meeting next Saturday, and Executive Director Mary Isenhour also is headed out the door, leaving the party with a leadership void heading into the midterms.
Gov. Rendell had urged party leaders to keep the Rooney in office through the Nov. 2 election, and Rooney was willing to do it. But gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato did not endorse the move - or speak out for his reputed favorite candidate, Allegheny County Chairman Jim Burn. Senate nominee Joe Sestak reportedly was not keen on Rooney continuing; the chairman had blasted him for forcing a divisive primary against Sen. Arlen Specter (D.,Pa.), whom the party leadership endorsed.
"We're proud of our record and the work we've accomplished, but both of us are excited to move on to other endeavors," Rooney said in a statement.