Philadelphia Daily News (PA)   September 8, 2005 Section: LOCAL Edition: 4STAR Page: 08  Green Party ripe for special election But its task is daunting in heavily Democratic 200th Legislative District DAVE DAVIES daviesd @phillynews.com   In all 50 states, the Green Party holds exactly two state legislative seats, but it's hoping to grab its third on Tuesday in Philadelphia.   For a party accustomed to raising issues rather than contending for office, conditions in the special election to fill the remainder of LeAnna Washington's House term are just about ideal. It's a low-turnout race in one of the most liberal areas of the city, Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill. Marlene Santoyo, a Democratic committeewoman with a long record as a progressive activist, is carrying the Green banner.   "You could be looking at 2,800, maybe 3,000 votes to win, and Marlene is well-known and a terrific candidate," said Philadelphia Green chair Hillary Eisenstein. She expects Green Party activists from other Pennsylvania counties to come and help.   The problem for Greens is that Democratic candidate Cherelle Parker, a longtime aide to City Councilwoman Marian Tasco, is supported by many of the liberal activists whom the Greens would normally turn to for support.   A heavy registration edge makes any Democrat a favorite in the 200th Legislative District.   Marc Stier, a leader in Neighborhood Networks, an organization of progressive Democrats, said both Parker and Santoyo have friends and supporters among the group.   "I've worked with Cherelle, and I think she'd make a great state rep," Stier said, "and many of us have worked with Marlene, who has a lot of experience as an activist."   Also in the field is Republican Bob Rossman, a retired computer programmer who's campaigning on the issues of education and the recently enacted legislators' pay raise.   "When elected, I'm going to give my entire take-home pay every month to a different community organization," Rossman said. "I'll expect my expenses to be taken care of, but I figure I should have about a $4,000 check every month for a neighborhood group."   The state House seat is open because Washington won a special election to replace former state Sen. Allyson Schwartz, who left for Congress.   Because it's a special election, parties don't hold primaries.   Democratic ward leaders chose Parker, who at 32 is by far the youngest of the candidates, though she's been working for Tasco since she was 17.   "I think I have a track record of public service," Parker said. "Neighborhood economic development is my major plank, and people should see a physical transformation as a result of my work over time."   Santoyo, 67, is a retired teacher and Quaker peace activist who's been involved for years on social and foreign-policy issues.   "I never intended to be a politician," Santoyo said, "but I'm angry that we have an unlivable minimum wage, that people have to go the emergency room for health care, and there's no campaign-finance reform."   And because she isn't beholden to the Democratic Party she said, "I don't have to play it safe. I can go to Harrisburg and be an independent voice."   Stier said that Santoyo, Parker, and Rossman are respected among community leaders, and he described a recent Mount Airy candidates' forum as "a feel-good evening."   "These are all smart, progressive candidates, and I think people in the community felt proud of all of them," Stier said.   The remainder of Washington's House term expires next year, so whoever wins faces a primary next May and a general election the following November. *