You’ve probably never heard of George Badey until his decision to run for the 7th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. He was unopposed in the April 24 Democratic primary and is looking to unseat incumbent Republican Patrick Meehan.
Badey, a lawyer in private practice since 1982, has health care, jobs and the economy at the top of his list of concerns and on his platform. His website refers to prominently to, “the hopes and dreams of 700,000 working people in the 7th District.”
Badey believes the key to reducing the deficit is economic growth, and that investment in education, job training, infrastructure and technology will result in economic growth. Also a fairer tax system will support these investments and ultimately lead to faster deficit reduction.
Badey has said he will protect Medicare and insure that seniors receive quality healthcare by expanding the pool of insured citizens, and obtaining cost reductions from insurance and pharmaceutical companies.
On women’s health, Badey “will always protect a woman’s right to choose.
On education, Badey will support efforts to provide for universal access to early childhood education programs, investing in and supporting the recruitment of high-quality teachers, making sure that access to school funding is fair and equitable.
Badey has high hopes for restoring the 7th District this November. “Pat Meehan is on thin ice,” said Badey. “The 7th Congressional District wants a new Congressman who will fight for their interests: Medicare, education and good paying jobs.”
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Badey grew up in a row home and attended Philadelphia public schools. His father was a longshoreman and his mother a homemaker. After graduating as valedictorian of his class at South Philadelphia High School in 1975, he received an academic scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania.
At Penn, he double majored, in both political science and music. After graduating Penn, he went on to Villanova Law School and passed the Bar Exam (a test that determines whether a candidate is qualified to practice law in a given jurisdiction) on his first try in 1982. For the last 25 years, he has lived in Radnor Township, Delaware County.
If you’ve been to the Mummers Parade, chances are you’ve seen Badey playing saxophone with the Fralinger String Band. Since the age of 13, in 1971, Badey has been a mummer (an actor in a traditional masked mime) and is a tenor saxophone player (2012 will mark the 54-year-old’s 41st parade).
