State Rep. dodges debate, says focus on other races

State Rep. Babette Josephs ducked and dodged on Thursday as the Liberty City Democratic Club, which advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, tried to get her to commit to a debate with Brian Sims, her opponent in the April 24 Democratic primary election.  In a video being circulated by Sims, Josephs said she does not make decisions about debates and referred the club to her campaign manager during a candidate forum.

"I'm committed to your discussions with my campaign manager," Josephs said. "I don't make those kinds of commitments. I am not in control of my schedule. I will not make a commitment here."

Sims, an openly gay attorney active in LGBT issues, served as treasurer for Josephs when she ran for re-election in 2010.  Josephs has represented the 182nd District, which includes a part of Center City known as the "Gayborhood," since 1985.  She told the Liberty City audience that her re-election effort was "not the race to focus on" and that they should instead pay attention to Central Pennsylvania races with openly gay candidates.

"If we keep focusing on our own belly buttons in the 182nd, we are not going to be able to get somebody who is gay into the legislature," Josephs said.