Tom Waring, the Wire
Shaughnessy Naughton, a Democratic candidate in the 8th Congressional District, raised $320,000 in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Naughton has raised more than $923,000 since she entered the race in March 2015. As of Dec. 31, the campaign had $635,000 cash on hand.
“This overwhelming fundraising success, which was made possible by our thousands of grassroots supporters, demonstrates that Pennsylvanians are excited about electing someone who has Shaughnessy’s experience as a businesswoman and a scientist,” said campaign manager Erik Polyak. “Voters are sick and tired of career politicians and the politics-as-usual culture of Washington, D.C., and they’re looking for someone with a different perspective. Shaughnessy fits that mold and will bring a much-needed breath of fresh air to D.C.”
Naughton has over 4,000 individual contributors, and the average contribution from individual donors in the fourth quarter was $79.
Naughton was born and raised in Point Pleasant. She has a degree in chemistry, and oversees her family’s publishing business.
Naughton will face state Rep. Steve Santarsiero in the primary.
Republican candidates are former Bucks County Commissioner Andy Warren, attorney Dean Malik and state Rep. Scott Petri.
Republican Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick is not seeking another term. There are rumors that Brian Fitzpatrick, his younger brother, will enter the race.
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In other campaign news, Santarsiero has been endorsed by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 88 and Iron Workers Local 401.
AFSCME District Council 88 Director Tom Tosti said, “We have no doubt that Steve Santarsiero will be a voice in Congress fighting for a living wage, working to protect American jobs and making sure seniors retire with dignity and security. Steve has fought for us and now we are ready to fight for him.”
Tosti is a newly elected Middletown supervisor. He ran on a winning ticket with Amy Strouse, wife of 2014 Democratic congressional nominee Kevin Strouse. In the 2014 campaign, Kevin Strouse defeated Shaughnessy Naughton in the primary.
Two years ago, the Philadelphia-based Iron Workers backed Naughton, who has no labor support in this campaign.
However, Naughton and most other candidates backed by the Iron Workers in 2014 shied away from the support when some members and top-level officials were indicted for alleged sabotage, arson and intimidation against non-union builders. Union boss Joe Dougherty was convicted and given a long prison term, and 11 others pleaded guilty to crimes.
Local 401 is now under new leadership.
“Steve Santarsiero is the only candidate in this race with a real record of standing up for working people and actually fighting to protect Pennsylvanian jobs,” said business representative Charles Roberts. “We are ready to stand with Steve, roll up our sleeves, and work to make sure he’s our next congressman.”
Santarsiero also has been endorsed by 12 local Democratic organizations, compared to none for Naughton.
