Two leading Coatesville Republicans go Democrat

by Allen Davis
Staff Writer
Posted: Friday, 24 Oct. 1:30 p.m.

Richard Legree, a political power broker in Coatesville, yesterday broke from the Republican Party to become a Democrat and endorsed presidential contender Barrack Obama saying his eight years in a leadership role with the county GOP had been a disappointment.

"I became a Republican because I thought the Republican Party offered the best vision for African Americans to realize the American dream . . . the last eight years have convinced me otherwise."

Legree was introduced by city council Vice President Kareem Johnson who also announced he was leaving the Republican Party to become a Democrat. Johnson said he changed his registration about six months. "I just wanted to be quiet about it," he said following the press conference.

Legree was flanked by state representatives Thaddeus Kirkland, of Chester, and Thomas Blackwell, of Philadelphia. Kirkland, president of the Black Caucus, arrived about 30 minutes late. "I drove 50 minutes to be here, but I would have driven five hours. That's how important this is."

Absent was Jim Pitcherella, president of the Coatesville Democratic Party. "I believe the Legree event was political trivia," he said in an e-mail message this morning.

City Manager Harry Walker praised Legree for his leadership. "I welcome the reconfiguration of the Democratic Party," he said. Walker said he was not politically aligned, but the switch would mean a "more vibrant and effective Democratic Party here in Coatesville.

Legree was chairman of Area 14 of the Republican Party, which includes Coatesville, South Coatesville, Valley, and Modena, until he was ousted in favor of Eric Brown following the election in April of new committee people. Legree also was a major fundraiser for the county GOP.

Legree said he was endorsing Obama he better represented the working class and the presidential campaign had provided him with a "frightful glimpse" of what a McCain Administration would be like. "I must take this step for Barrack Obama," he siad.

Johnson announced seven other county Republicans who were switching to the Democratic Party: Modena Mayor Clayton Ayars and his wife; Christine Melbourne, a former Republican committee woman from the city's Second Ward; Will Thomas, and Donald and Barbara Britt.

Legree is president of the Chester County Constables Association. He is a former police sergeant with the Valley Police Department.

You can e-mail Allen Davis at: allen@chestercountyreporter.com