Democratic Political Operative Damon Andrews Dies At 63
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Long-time Democratic political operative Damon Andrews passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Sunday evening.
The 63-year old Knoxville man was well-known in local political circles for his behind-the-scenes work on behalf of usually successful candidates for public office.
He leaves behind his wife, Linda Piso, and countless friends, including many elected officials he helped to win office.
"In what is often seen as a dirty business, Damon was always the nicest guy in a campaign," said KDKA Political Editor Jon Delano who first met Andrews during the Clinton campaign of 1992. "He was a terrific numbers cruncher, knowing exactly where the votes were and how a candidate could get them."
The son of a state trooper, Andrews grew up in Uniontown, attending Georgetown University where he was inspired by the same professor who inspired Bill Clinton's run for public office.
When Clinton began his presidential run, Andrews left his hospital administration job in Maryland to campaign for him in New Hampshire, the state that made Clinton the "comeback kid."
He became the first full-time volunteer for Clinton in Pennsylvania and the first permanent staff hire for the Clinton campaign in this state in 1992.
After Clinton's win, Damon became the Assistant Director of Security for the 1993 Presidential Inaugural Committee in Washington.
In subsequent years, Andrews worked for the National Democratic Party, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, and numerous candidates, including Bob & Corey O'Connor, Mark Singel, Luke Ravenstahl, Jack & Chelsa Wagner, and many others running for state House and Senate.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
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