Andy Dinniman
Andy Dinniman | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 19th district | |
| Assumed office June 19, 2006 | |
| Preceded by | Bob Thompson |
| Member of the Chester County Board of Commissioners | |
| In office January, 1992 – June 19, 2006 | |
| Preceded by | Patricia Moran Baldwin |
| Succeeded by | Kathi Cozzone |
| Member of the Downington School Board | |
| In office December 4, 1975 – December 2, 1979 | |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Margo |
| Residence | West Whiteland |
| Alma mater | University of Connecticut, University of Maryland, Pennsylvania State University |
| Profession | University Professor |
| Website | Pennsylvania State Senator Andrew Dinniman |
Andrew E. "Andy" Dinniman is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania State Senate who has represented the 19th District since June 2006.
Education and early life
Dinniman was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He received his BA from the University of Connecticut in 1966, and his MA from the University of Maryland in 1969. He also holds an Ed.D from West Chester University.[1]
Early political career
Dinniman's first elected position was as a member of Downington school district's board of school directors. He was first elected to this position in 1975, and held the post until 1979. In 1979, Dinniman was elected chairman of the Chester County Democratic Committee, a position he held until 1985.[1]
County Commissioner
Dinniman later served a Chester County commissioner for three terms, beginning in 1991. During his three terms as commissioner, Dinniman was the body's only Democrat. After the death of Republican Senator Robert "Bob" Thompson in 2006, Dinniman sought and attained his party's nomination to run in the ensuing special election.
State Senate Service
2006 special election
The special election pit Dinniman against his fellow county commissioner, Republican Carol Aichele. In what was considered a political surprise, Dinniman won with 56% of the vote, becoming the first Democrat elected to represent Chester County in the state Senate since 1890.[2]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Andy Dinniman | 21,614 | 56.2 | +56.2 | |
| Republican | Carol Aichle | 16,822 | 43.8 | −56.2 | |
| Democratic gain from Republican | Swing | ||||
2008 election
Dinniman faced re-election in 2008. In a spirited campaign, he defeated Republican Steve Kantrowitz, a retired U.S. Navy Admiral[4], with 57.8% of the vote.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Andy Dinniman | 84,846 | 57.8 | +1.6 | |
| Republican | Steve Kantrowitz | 62,026 | 42.2 | −1.6 | |
| Democratic hold | Swing | ||||
Committee Assignments
Dinniman currently sits on seven committees, and is the ranking Democrat on the Senate's education committee.[1] He coninutes to teach at West Chester University.
Political future
There had been some speculation that Dinniman would seek the Democratic nomination for the congressional seat being vacated by Republican Jim Gerlach, who was, at that time, running for governor.[6] Dinniman, however, ultimately decided not to enter the race.[7] He has also endorsed Dan Onorato for governor.[8]
References
- ^ a b c http://www.votesmart.org
- ^ Nancy Petersen, Chesco Senate Election Surprise, Philadelphia Inquirer, 05-18-2006
- ^ "2006 Special Election for the 19th Senatorial District". Commonwealth of PA - Elections Information. Pennsylvania Department of State. 2004.
- ^ http://www.insiderpa.com/archive
- ^ http://www.electionreturns.state.pa.us
- ^ http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign
- ^ http://www.dailylocal.com/articles
- ^ http://www.insiderpa.com/archive
External links
- State Senator Andy Dinniman official PA Senate website
- Andy Dinniman for PA Senate official campaign website
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Follow the Money - Andy Dinniman
