Mark Stevens Withdraws from Race for 156th State House Seat

Mark Stevens Withdraws from Race for 156th State House Seat
Rep. Barbara McIlvaine Smith to seek Democratic nomination to replace him

WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Mark Stevens today announced he has decided to
withdraw from the race for the 156th District State House seat due to a
severe back injury. In his place, Rep. Barbara McIlvaine Smith has agreed
to seek the Democratic nomination for re-election to a third term in the
state House of Representatives.

Stevens said the decision to end his candidacy was a difficult one, but
for the past few weeks a ruptured disk in his back has left him barely
able
to walk, and he may need major surgery as early as August. “I am as
committed as ever to seeking public office and serving the people of
Chester County, but my back injury has made it impossible for me to do all
that is required to win this race,” Stevens said. “I couldn’t be happier
to
see Barb re-enter this race, and she has my full support. The strength of
her convictions and her record of challenging the status quo should leave
no doubt that she will continue to fight for what she’s always fought for
–
a more transparent government, a stronger economy, and the protection of
our environment.”

McIlvaine Smith applauded Stevens for his hard work on the campaign so
far, saying she is confident he would have carried on her record of
reform.

“I was proud to support Mark, but when I heard he was experiencing these
health issues and thinking about ending his campaign, I reconsidered my
decision not to run,” McIlvaine Smith said. “I’m seeking the Democratic
nomination to re-enter this race because I am prepared to continue
fighting
to improve Harrisburg. I have been an independent voice in the House,
working hard to reform how government operates, strengthen our economy,
and
protect our environment. I am committed and determined to continuing this
important work.”

Stevens officially withdrew from the race this morning by filing the
required paperwork with the Department of State. McIlvaine Smith intends
to
seek the official nomination of the Chester County Democratic Committee
and
the Pennsylvania Democratic Party in the coming days

Stevens Campaign Pleased to Announce New Endorsements

WEST CHESTER- The Mark Stevens for PA House campaign is pleased to announce that it has received three new endorsements:

CeaseFirePA, a leading Pennsylvania gun violence prevention organization;

APSCUF (Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties), a professional association for the advancement of public higher education throughout Pennsylvania;

Clean Water Action, a national organization advocating for the empowerment of citizens and communities through the protection of America’s waters.

Look for more endorsements to come soon!

Mark Endorsed by Barb McIlvaine Smith

WEST CHESTER — This past fall, State Representative Barbara McIlvaine Smith announced she would not seek re-election in 2010, making Pennsylvania’s 156th House District an “open” seat.  Representative McIlvaine Smith has chosen to support West Chester resident and Democrat Mark Stevens in the May 18th Democratic Primary.

“Mark is the candidate with experience, integrity, and vision to tackle the pressing problems of reform in Harrisburg,” Representative McIlvaine Smith said. “We need a legislator willing to fight for jobs, the environment, and reform.”

Mark Stevens thanked McIlvaine Smith for her endorsement. “Representative McIlvaine Smith worked hard for reform in Harrisburg,” Stevens said, “Now is the time for us to unite, to put our best foot forward, and to put Pennsylvania on the right track.”