April 7, 2008 Senator Anthony Williams endorses John Dougherty for State Senate

At 10 a.m. today at the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center, State Sen. Anthony Williams endorsed John Dougherty for State Senate. The formal announcement took place just a mile south of the Greater St. Matthews Baptist Church, where Senator Williams and Rev. Steven Avinger yesterday acknowledged Dougherty as a caring community leader.

After a gospel choir and band entertained the droves of Point Breeze community leaders on hand for the event, Williams alluded to the fact that he'd received numerous threats to his livelihood, legislation and political future because he supports John, he then explained why he was backing Dougherty for Senate.

"This is about having a partner," Williams said. "He believes in the diversity of the city. This election is about the future of the city, state and nation. There is no us versus them. The African-American community, which will be the X factor in this election, should come out in overwhelming numbers not just for Barack Obama, but for the man I support for senate: John Dougherty."

Williams also noted that he doesn't think candidate Larry Farnese has any idea about the issues facing the city's African-American community and that Anne Dicker once introduced him as Rep. Tommy Blackwell. He said that he's not worried about past concerns of racial inclusion but knows that John has, and will continue working, for just that both in his union and in his district.

"We need to recognize that they [Farnese and Dicker] don't have a relationship with this community," he said, "and they can't claim to have one on the 22nd of April. John Dougherty deserves our support."

Seconding Williams' motions was Avinger, who told the crowd that "never, in 20 years, have I had a conversation with Vince Fumo," he who's pulling the strings behind Farnese's puppetary campaign.

"We have the opportunity as African Americans to make history here in South Philadelphia," Avinger said. "We should support somebody who is already talking to us, who is already listening to our concerns. The community must be active in make sure its voice is heard. That's why I wholeheartedly support John Dougherty."