Brian Sims’ Campaign Posts Fake News
By Bob Small
Brian Sims, the only openly gay candidate for lieutenant governor was involved in a recent kerfuffle. His campaign posted an ad that ended with the phrase “ENDORSED JOSH SHAPIRO”, which meant to say that Josh Shapiro, the only Democrat running for governor, had endorsed him. The only problem was that, that earlier this year, the state representative that Josh Shapiro had endorsed was Austin Davis of Allegheny County, who hopes to become the first African American elected to the Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor’s office.
In March, Brian Sims lost the support of both the state Democratic leaders and some parts of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transexual) Community.
One possible reason for the state Democrats to endorse a Shapiro-Davis ticket is geographical balance. Shapiro is from Montgomery County and Davis is from Allegheny County. Another possible reason is that David might help with the African American vote, which the Dems heavily depend on.
Of course, it should be noted that neither major party would endorse a candidate who exhibits too much independent thinking.
In a March 3 press conference, more than 40 LGBTQ leaders threw their lot in with Austin Davis.
Among the charges against Brian Sims is his failure to have any legislation passed after a decade in office. He is also alleged to have an abrasive personality –along with many, if not most, of his fellow legislators. Those are the only charges filed against him that could be found.
It should be noted that by necessity there is a great deal pragmatism at work in the LGBTQ Community, as there is in any marginalized community. “The LGBTQ community is not a monolith,” said LGBTQ Victory Fund spokesperson Elliott Imse. The LGBTQ community decided to endorse Davis over Sims.
Why is Josh Shapiro the only Dem Candidate, while the GOP has 10? That’s for another column.