Photo Album
In The News: Stu Bykofsky: Comedy, charity & public servants who hold back (Daily News, 6/16)
June 16, 2008
Philadelphia Daily News
Stu Bykofsky: Comedy, charity & public servants who hold back
By Stu Bykofsky
Philadelphia Daily News
Daily News Columnist
A JOKE I like:
I was depressed last night so I called the Suicide Lifeline.
I got connected to a call center in Pakistan.
I told them I was suicidal.
They got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck.
You might hear that, or possibly something more ribald, from me Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the 18th Annual Stu Bykofsky Candidates Comedy Night, a fundraiser for Variety, the Children's Charity.
This year's show features local and statewide races.
In congressional contests, 1st District Democratic incumbent Bob Brady will return for his umpteeth appearance. In the 13th District, Republican attorney Marina Kats, a Russian emigre, is serious about challenging Democratic incumbent Allyson Schwartz.
In the 8th District, Democratic freshman Rep. Patrick Murphy is facing a challenge.
In a rare occurrence, some candidates turned their backs.
There's been a train wreck in the 2nd District. Republican challenger Mike Livingston quit the race and Democratic incumbent Chaka Fattah quit the show - in which he'd appeared in the past - sending word that he'd buy a table but that the show is not "his thing." (Maybe he feels he suffered enough in the mayoral race.)
Brady's opponent, Mike Muhammad, never returned phone calls over a period of weeks. If he's unapproachable now, just imagine him being elected. (Sorry, my imagination isn't that good.)
To my surprise, Rep. Murphy's Republican opponent, Tom Manion, declined, even declined to say why. The Variety summer camp for handicapped kids is located in Montgomery County, a part of which is in the district he wants to represent.
In statewide races, Republican incumbent Attorney General Tom Corbett will swap gags with Democratic challenger John Morganelli, the district attorney of Northampton County. For treasurer, Democrat Rob McCord faces off against Republican attorney Tom Ellis.
In a high-profile state Senate race, first-timer Larry Farnese beat two challengers to get the nomination for the seat Vince Fumo will vacate, and faces determined Republican Jack Morley.
Finally, in the 172nd state House district, former speaker Republican John Perzel is being challenged by Democrat Rich Costello, former head of the Fraternal Order of Police.
The show again will be staged at Finnigan's Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden streets. Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8 p.m. sharp.
Like the previous 17, the 18th edition of the show will benefit the Delaware Valley chapter of Variety - the Children's Charity, which works with handicapped kids. Through 2007, more than $300,000 has been raised, thanks to the public and to the generosity and public spirit of the candidates, with the exceptions I noted.
Tickets are $60 each. Reserved tables of 10 ($600, it's simple math) are available. Tickets are tax-deductible. Checks should be made out to "Variety" and mailed to Variety, c/o Ellen Ganley, 2nd floor, 1520 Locust St., Phila., PA 19102. For credit-card orders, call Ellen Ganley at 215-735-0803. Tables are assigned in the order of checks received.
If any of the "public servants" who declined want to change their minds, they know how to reach me.
E-mail stubyko@phillynews.com or call 215-854-5977. For recent columns: http://go.philly.com/byko.