Prominent Democrat Switches Party Affiliation
Armstrong County Commissioner candidate David Wolfe (left) told Family-Life TV’s “Talk of the Town” Host David Croyle last night that he has switched political parties due to a verbal fight that broke out during the Democratic Committee’s reorganization meeting Monday night. Wolfe is now a member of the Republican Party. Wolfe intends to run for county commissioner in 2015.
by Jonathan Weaver
For nearly 40 years, David Wolfe has been a Democrat.
But not today.
The former Armstrong County commissioner candidate and North Buffalo Township supervisor created a scrum within the Democratic Committee earlier this week, and announced on Family-Life TV’s “Talk of the Town” last night that he formally switched to the Republican Party Tuesday afternoon.
Wolfe said the issue could have root in a phone call he received from fellow Democrat Chuck Pascal earlier this month regarding election during the committee’s reorganization.
“Unfortunately, (Chairman Dick Schreckengost) is ill and was talking about resigning. So, Chuck Pascal – who is also on the committee – called me a few weeks ago and said “I am thinking about running (for the chairmanship) because there are a few other people that are talking about running – one being Roy Morrisson, who ran for commissioner in the Primary last year and lost. You’re on the committee; would you come and support me?”
Wolfe affirmed he would, but knew it could cause trouble.
“I told him ‘I know (Schrecengost) going to cause a fuss. (Chuck) said ‘Don’t worry about it,’” Wolfe said.
After the reorganization meeting Monday night was turned over to JoEllen Bowman, Pascal asked who could vote for chairman, with Schreckengost confirming a registered list of party members could.
That list was provided by Democratic Commissioner Rich Fink. However, Schreckengost said there were some Republican names on it.
“I don’t know how a Republican could’ve gotten on the list because these are elected people,” Wolfe said. “If they’re not a registered Democrat, they’re not eligible for the Democratic Committee.”
Wolfe knew of one possible error: Plumcreek Township’s Tom Smith, who ran against incumbent Bob Casey, Jr. as a Republican in the 2012 election. Smith previously was a registered Democrat for more than 40 years.
“I don’t know what happened, but it’s apparent now that the committee threw (Smith) off, or he’s no longer eligible to hold office,” Wolfe said.
Wolfe’s story continued.
“(Schreckengost) said ‘I know one person in this room that’s not eligible to vote – (you!)’,” Wolfe recalled. “I stood up and said ‘Well, I’m on this list – why am I not eligible to vote? And (Schreckengost) said ‘Because you supported Republicans.’
Wolfe admitted he did support County Coroner Bob Bower for Commissioner and Amanda Hiles for Treasurer.
“I’ve always supported people that I thought would do the best job possible,” Wolfe said. “I’m not ashamed of it, I’m not embarrassed, and I’m not going to make any excuses for that.
“This is America! I should be allowed to support whoever I want!,” Wolfe added.
Wolfe then left the meeting. As far as he knew, Schreckengost did not officially resign office.
Wolfe recalled he was originally written in on the Democrat ballot in a previous election to be a committee member.
His new political affiliation could have an impact on upcoming elections, as Wolfe has said he will run for Armstrong County commissioner again during the 2015 Primary.
Local News | jweaver January 16, 2013
By forward, January 16, 2013 @ 8:26 AM
Well, I suppose it’s only natural for Dave Wolfe to switch sides, just ask some of the union people he formerly represented. Like those at ACMH for example.
With that said, he will likely win a commissioners chair in 2015 and will probably be better than the two recently elected buffoons.
By mamakat, January 16, 2013 @ 11:01 AM
What a disappoint that Wolfe is going over to the dark side of the Armstrong County political scene. The local Republican committee has put a black eye on the Pa GOP and needs cleaned out. They only win offices because the money bags that support them control the Leader Times and pull the strings in the elections. I would rather have seen Mr. Wolfe fight to keep his place in the democratic party. They didn’t seem to have a problem when he was running so why now?
Voting straight party is a major flaw in our electoral system. Votes should be earned by the actions of the individuals not what their party is. Mr. Wolfe shouldn’t be punished for voting for who he believed is right for the office.
If Pascal becomes president of the local Democratic Party, they may as well take their sign down and replace it with a more accurate name: The Weasel Party!
By dalereese67, January 16, 2013 @ 3:56 PM
Political parties aside, this looks like childish temper tantrums from all involved.
By devitt, January 17, 2013 @ 5:58 AM
What a joke!
If anybody does not see this for what it is, then they deserve somebody like Wolfe.
Instead of battling his way on the Democrat side of the ticket, he gets himself in really a nonsensical matter to use as an excuse to switch parties.
Mr. Croyle should have asked Wolfe his intentions on running, again?
HE still has not got over the fact that he lost in the last election. Remember how humbled Wolfe said he would be and not continue running if he were elected? Well, it seems like that last election meant more to him “personally” than it did it for his civic purposes.
After this stunt, I hope people stay away from this guy despite what party you support.
Pascal would deter more people from joining the party….bad move.