Bradford fundraiser highlights candidate’s support in local governments

Joe Hoeffel, right, Matt Bradford, center, and Rob Zolitor, left, at a Bradford fundraiser Thursday: Hoeffel, the Montgomery County Commissioner and former Congressman, introduced Bradford, the Democratic state House candidate for the 70th District, at a fundraiser in Conshohocken. Zolitor, the campaign manager, collected the checks, almost $10,000 worthCONSHOHOCKEN -- Matt Bradford got a late start in his bid for a state House seat in Montgomery County, replacing Democratic candidate Dwayne Royster on the ballot barely a month ago, after Royster stepped aside for personal reasons.

But if a fundraiser held for Bradford here Thursday evening is any indication, the promising 33-year-old candidate will get plenty of help making up for lost time from his many friends in local governments. About 25 people showed up at Conshohocken Councilman Paul McConnell's house to support Bradford, who is running against state Rep. Jay Moyer (R-Lower Salford) in the 70th Legislative District. Many of those in attendance work in area municipal governments.

There was Montgomery County Commissioner and former Congressman Joe Hoeffel calling Bradford a "bright and energetic young man." There was Conshohocken Councilman Jason Salus, a longtime friend of Bradford's who organized the fundraiser, saying Bradford would be "a great asset to the legislature." There was Plymouth Township Councilman Vincent Gillen, Plymouth Councilwoman Mary Lou Readinger and Whitemarsh Township Supervisor Leslie Richards schmoozing with the candidate.

Conshohocken itself is not in the in the district Bradford hopes to represent-it is in state Rep. Mike Gerber's (D-Whitpain) 148th Legislative District. And many of his supporters at the fundraiser were also from outside the 70th District. But as Bradford acknowledged to PolitickerPa.com as he left to knock on doors, "I'm going to need support from a lot of quarters."

He got off to a good start Thursday night, collecting nearly $10,000, campaign manager Rob Zolitor said.

Democrats in Montgomery County have high hopes for Bradford, who has a solid reputation in municipal governance after effectively rescuing Norristown from bankruptcy as a township administrator. Moyer, currently in his first term, nearly lost to a far less experienced candidate two years ago, edging Netta Young Hughes by 103 votes. Bradford is expected to run a more competitive campaign.

"Matt Bradford has extraordinary experience and has demonstrated great leadership, exactly what we need in Harrisburg," Hoeffel said in introducing Bradford to supporters.

In a brief speech, Bradford thanked those who came, and said Democratic gains in the district since 2006 showed the seat was ripe for the taking.

"This seat is ready to change," he said.