143rd District : experience vs. ‘citizen lawmaker’

Endorsements 2008

The Intelligencer
October 28, 2008

VOTERS IN THE 143rd state House District are fortunate this election. They have two credible candidates from which to choose: one-term Republican incumbent Marguerite Quinn and Democratic challenger Diane Allison.

Over the past nearly two years, Quinn has brought a strong work ethic and a responsiveness to a varied constituency in a wide-ranging district (Bedminster, Bridgeton, Doylestown, Durham, Nockamixon, Plumstead and Tinicum townships, part of Buckingham Township and the boroughs of Doylestown and Riegelsville). In her short time in office, she has proven to be a quick study and has learned the importance of cooperation across the political aisle and the need for patience. We sense that she has settled in as a state lawmaker.

That might be the biggest contrast between her and Allison, who left us with the impression of having met someone who truly understands the term “citizen lawmaker.” Allison brings to the table nothing greater than a desire to continue her long service to the community. She carries no political baggage. While many candidates talk about nonpartisanship, her talk on the subject actually is believable. You can debate whether such an approach would translate into an effective strategy in Harrisburg. But we’ve met no candidate who’s been any more sincere. Allison is not looking to make a career out of serving in the House, either; she says she’ll serve for two terms and no more.

Voting for Marguerite Quinn on the basis of her respectable first-term performance would be sensible, and we think the district would be well-served were she to be returned to Harrisburg. That said, the Legislature could likely be a far more effective, responsive body were it populated by more people like Diane Allison.

< Back to News/Events