Andy Kronfeld Wants To Be The First To Beat An Endorsed Candidate In A Lower Merion Democratic Primary
Andy Kronfeld is trying to be the Edmund Hillary of Lower Merion Politics, but Hillary probably had an easier time in his quest to be the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, than what Kronfeld faces as he launches his campaign to unseat Magistrate District Court Judge, Karen Zucker, in the upcoming Democratic Primary, on May 18.
George W. Bush had not yet completed his inital term in office, when Zucker was first elected in 2003. Now she is trying win her fourth six-year term as Magistrate Judge, in District 38-2-04, one of three such districts in Lower Merion.
Her chances of being re-elected were fortified on Tuesday night (March 2), when she got the nod from the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion Narberth (DCLMN). Zucker won the required 60% of Committee members’ votes in a first round knockout.
Kronfeld doesn’t seem to be deterred, knowing that if he does win, he will be the the first person ever to beat an endorsed candidate in a Lower Merion Democratic Primary. Last week, voters in the district received his first mailing.
Attempting to turn what might ordinarily be seen as a huge liability, into an asset, Kronfeld argues that his not being a lawyer, is actually better for the public. Kronfeld in fact, appears to making this issue the cornerstone of his campaign.
Listen to Andy Kronfeld argue that a Magistrate District Judge “should have legal training, but not be a lawyer.”
Listen to Karen Zucker – “I use my legal training every day.”
Mr. Kronfeld talks of “legal training”, presumably referring to the certification course given by the state’s Minor Judiciary Education Board, being the only necessary requirement for a judgeship. It has been verified that he himself has failed to pass this exam. Even if he had managed to pass, all it would have given him was a 19 day crash course on the legal system. Judge Zucker spent 3 years obtaining her law degree and then devoted close to 40 years to a career in legal practice. I can’t imagine that the two things can possibly compare. Our courts need professionals with a knowledge of justice deeper than what a mere certification from a not even three week long course can offer. And, as I said, Mr. Kronfeld doesn’t even have that yet.