Westmoreland Watchman
THERE WILL BE NO MEETING IN MAY
Because this year’s Primary Election day is the third Tuesday, we will NOT have a Coalition meeting this month. However, I urge all of you to attend the 912 Group meeting on Thursday, May 10th, to be held at Hoss’s restaurant located on Route 22 in Murrysville. Linda Dupill puts together great events and this month, the featured speakers are Paul Mango, running for Governor and Peg Luksik, seeking the Lt. Governor’s spot. This meeting will begin at 6:30 PM, although many people come to eat dinner beforehand. Linda asks that you make reservations either for dinner or just for the meeting by calling 724-327-2668 or 724-493-2586. I hope to see you there!
THE PRIMARY ELECTION RACES
It is good to see so many Republicans running for the various offices available, but it is bad to see so many negative ads flying around. The Governor and the Saccone/Reschenthaler Congressional races are two prime examples of what I mean. The Congressional race is straining old friendships and the distorted ads are adding fuel to the fire. Some shadowy group known as “Conservatives for PA” has been supporting Guy Reschenthaler with foul and false mailings and TV spots against Saccone. I have actually received some calls from people thinking the “Conservative Coalition” was behind them and wondered what was up. I quickly told them it was NOT us and to throw those trash mailings in the garbage, as we are supporting Rick.
The main ad asserts that Saccone has taken over $435,000 in tax-payer funded perks during the last 8 years. Rick has explained at many meet and greets that this amount is what it cost him to run his office for salaries, utilities, postage, special meetings, etc. Since he has been in Harrisburg, Rick has given money BACK every year as he spends LESS than the amount allotted to him. Yet these ads make it appear he is picking the pockets of the taxpayers. The other charge leveled against him is that he “voted for the largest tax increase in PA history”!
He supported, along with many other representatives, HB 76, which would bring much needed property tax relief to homeowners. This proposal would add a tax increase in sales and personal income, but overall it would grant far more savings to seniors and home owners who are being crushed by property taxes at the present time. So while some may pay more on certain items, the overall tax burden on Pennsylvanians is being reduced. So if that is the definition of a tax increase, so be it.
We are supporting Rick because of his vast experience in foreign affairs and his track record of getting things done and supporting the right causes. Guy has only two years in the trenches and needs more seasoning before he tries to drain the swamp in Washington. There are plenty of problems in Pennsylvania he can tackle, so we hope he sharpens his skills in Harrisburg.
The race for Governor and Lt. Governor are likewise intense and have conservative stalwarts on both sides of the fence. Before I go any further, let me say that ANY of these Republicans running are far better than the Wolf/Stack duo currently running Pennsylvania into the ground.
Scott Wagner and Paul Mango are the two top contenders but Laura Ellsworth is also seeking the Governor’s seat. I have heard both Wagner and Mango speak and believe both have very good ideas to set PA back on the right track. Unfortunately, both have resorted to negative ads that, in my opinion, discredit what they are trying to accomplish. I have also heard Peg Luksik and Diana Irey Vaughn and both are very good candidates. Jeff Bartos, who has paired up with Scott Wagner, has some questionable points, namely that while he was commissioner in Montgomery County, he gave money to various Democrats! With that being said, we are leaning to the Mango/Vaughn team but Peg Luksik would also be a powerful force as Lt. Governor.
The U. S. Senate race is Lou Barletta’s to lose, and he is pro-Trump and strong on immigration. We must get rid of Bob Casey, who is a disgrace to his father’s legacy of being pro-life and a man of reason.
The Coalition also had all FOUR candidates speak, who are running in the 54th legislative district that is being vacated by Eli Evankovich. They are Bob Brooks, Bryan Kline, Mary Alice Newborn and Michael Korns. Each of them presented themselves well and all have very good ideas to take to Harrisburg. The Coalition is remaining neutral in this race and will support the winner in the November contest.
An area that is overlooked by many is who should be on the GOP State Committee from Westmoreland County to represent us against the liberal Rino-wing of the Party when they meet on state matters. This year, 17 men and women are seeking these important positions with only 9 to be chosen. You can vote for FOUR men and FOUR women and make your 9th choice from either sex. The Coalition recommends the following people as ones who can best protect our conservative values. I have listed these people alphabetically and of course you would have to seek them out on the ballot.
Scott Avolio Michael DaPos Frank Schiefer
Jill Cooper Scott Ellis Mary Jo Silvis
Tricia Cunningham Elaine Gowaty Lois Wolf-Geer
In Allegheny County there is a Committee Person At Large plus others based on Senatorial Districts;
We recommend Mike McMullen for the Committee at Large:
In the 38th District, please support Bob Howard, Doug Austin and Dorothy Petrancosta
In the 39th District, consider Sue and Jim Means, Robert Johnson, Al Quaye and Sam DeMarco
In the 42nd District, we would choose Eileen Holste
In the 43rd District, support Ilene Hightower
In the 45th District, you can’t go wrong with our good friends Dave and Sue Majernik
When all the smoke clears after May 15th, I hope everyone can unite behind the winners and move forward with a conservative agenda to “make America and Pennsylvania Great Again”!
