April 22-28, 2004

loose canon

Age Baiting

by Bruce Schimmel

State Rep. Babette Josephs is pig-biting mad -- and that’s saying a mouthful for a dedicated vegan. Her two opponents in the Democratic primary April 27 are using her age as a weapon, says the 62-year-old, who’s represented parts of South Philly, Grays Ferry and most of Center City since 1985.

"They're saying I'm old, worn out, that I've got no energy. What else would you say when all my positions are right, when I'm proud of every vote, when I stand up to the big corporations?" asks Josephs, who represents the 182nd District. "I resent that they're making this an age war."

Terry Gillen, 48, a seasoned politico and one-time ally, has run a campaign on the premise that Josephs has "lost some of her fire." The tactic is working. The Daily News gave the nod to Gillen, saying that Josephs has been in office "for two decades, and it shows," adding that the incumbent had "run out of steam." Despite that endorsement, Josephs is not concerned about Gillen's challenge, claiming "she's going to be crushed," while adding, "she's been around long enough for people to dislike her."

Joseph says her more serious challenger is Andrew Hohns. Hohns is just 25, a fact that is underlined throughout in his campaign literature. "Amazing Energy. Amazing Results," is his campaign slogan, and a full-color campaign brochure features a picture of an outsized AAA battery with "Hohns" printed where "Eveready" ought to be.

Still, Josephs says she's underwhelmed with Hohns' endurance, both politically and personally. This is Hohns' second run for her seat, and he expects to fill his campaign basket with $200,000 -- including a $30,000 contribution from his boss, an investment banker. Josephs says she'll spend about $100,000 but still expects to beat Hohns in the race at the polls -- adding that she could also whip the young man in a race in a swimming pool. Just days before the primary, Josephs is fortifying herself with her usual breakfast of champions: An everything bagel spread with soy butter and a grapefruit. She says she works out for an hour every day, either swimming or running.

"I've got pretty short legs, but my forte is stamina. I think I could take him [Hohns] in an endurance contest in a pool," says the grandmother of four. "No problem. I've seen him smoking and have hardly seen him walking anyplace."

Josephs recalls seeing Hohns on the campaign trail in her own neighborhood near Rittenhouse Square, saying he looked discouraged and depressed.

"He was sitting on the bench right in front of my house, looking like a sad sack," Josephs recalls. "He was talking into a cell phone. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but I could hear him whining. I told him that he could sit there all day, if he needed to. But I [reminded him], "Please, don't litter.'"