"It's not that history that motivates Leslie and I to run," Shapiro told a cheering crowd. "It's not just about winning as Democrats. It's about winning for the people of Montgomery County."
More than 300 committee members shuffled into the auditorium of Plymouth Meeting's Colonial Elementary School, prepared to nominate a slate of candidates all running uncontested for their support.
"Unlike our opponents, we stand for two fundamental things," said the county party's chairman, Marcel Groen. "We are unified, and we have respect for each other."
The scene was far different from the one last week when Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. squeaked out a nomination victory at his party's convention after a stiff challenge and even though many had questioned his record in office.
In contrast, the Democrats did everything short of holding hands and singing an electoral version of "Kumbaya."
Laudatory speeches were given for nearly every nominee. Party members glad-handed and greeted each other warmly.
Even Democratic Commissioner Joseph M. Hoeffel III, who announced under party pressure this month that he would not seek another term, was feeling the love. He received a standing ovation nearly every time a speaker mentioned him.
"Without him, we wouldn't be where we are today," Richards said of the man who has long served as the county's Democratic standard bearer during stints in the state House, in the U.S. House, and, most recently, on the commissioners' board. "I've learned so much from talking to Joe."
Shapiro, 37, once worked as Hoeffel's chief of staff in Congress before going on to represent Abington and Upper Darby in Harrisburg. Since his first election there in 2004, the four-term incumbent has earned a reputation as a rising star in Democratic politics and a high-profile legislator, backing several measures that garnered statewide attention.
