Mary Ellen Balchunis

Mary Ellen Balchunis
Born (1954-06-11) June 11, 1954
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Alma mater Temple University (M.P.P., Ph.D)
University of Pennsylvania (B.A.)
Occupation College professor
Political party Democrat
Children 1

Mary Ellen Balchunis (born June 11, 1954) is an American college professor and former political candidate. She teaches in the Political Science department of La Salle University. She was the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district in the 2014 and 2016 general elections, losing both times.[1]

Early life, education and career

Balchunis was born in Philadelphia on June 11, 1954. She earned a BA in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979. The following year, she earned a MPA in Public Administration from Temple University and was a Fulbright Scholar. She began teaching in the political science department at La Salle University in 1991. Balchunis earned a Ph.D. at Temple in 1992.[2] Her dissertation was entitled, "A Study of the Old and New Campaign Politics Models: A Comparative Analysis of Wilson Goode's 1983 and 1987 Philadelphia Mayoral Campaigns".[3]

Congressional elections

2014

Balchunis ran unopposed in the 2014 primary election. She faced Pat Meehan, a former District Attorney, for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district.[4] She lost to Meehan by a margin of 62% to 38% in the general election.[5]

2016

Balchunis launched her candidacy on April 18, 2015, by going on a speaking tour through the five counties within the 7th district: Lancaster, Berks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware.[6] On April 26, 2016, Balchunis defeated Bill Golderer, a pastor in Philadelphia, to win the Democratic nomination for the 7th district. Her margin of victory in the primary was 74% to 28%.[7] She was defeated in the general election by incumbent Republican Representative Pat Meehan, who won 60% of the vote.[8]

Political positions

Balchunis opposes gerrymandering.[6] She aims to preserve and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, lower the interest rates on student loans, increase the minimum wage and have pay equity between men and women.[6]

Personal life

Balchunis resides in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.[4] She has a daughter, Lauren Harris.[9] Balchunis's mother Adele died in 2014.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Thomas Fitzgerald (19 July 2011). "Reading physician, an Iraq vet, to challenge Gerlach". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  2. ↑ Project Vote Smart
  3. ↑ Guglielmo, Jennifer; Salerno, Salvatore (2012). Are Italians White?: How Race is Made in America. Routledge. ISBN 1136062424.
  4. 1 2 Kopp, John (February 21, 2014). "La Salle professor to take on Meehan; Brady gains backing". Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Pennsylvania 2014 General Election - November 4, 2014 Official Results". Pennsylvania Secretary of State. November 4, 2014. Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Logue, Tim (April 18, 2015). "Balchunis launches second bid for Congress in 7th District". Delaware County Daily Times. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Unofficial 2016 Presidential Primary Election Results". Pennsylvania Secretary of State. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  8. ↑ "Pennsylvania U.S. House 7th District Results: Patrick Meehan Wins". The New York Times. November 15, 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  9. ↑ Tamari, Jonathan (April 17, 2015). "Balchunis to challenge Rep. Meehan". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved May 14, 2016.

External links


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