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March 09, 2010
Campaign News
Thanks to the work of over a hundred volunteers, we collected over 2,500 signatures to get on the ballot! Thanks to everyone and I can't wait to keep rolling!
What a great way to start a campaign. Thanks to the hard work of well over a hundred volunteers, we have filed more than 2500 signatures on nominating petitions in Harrisburg.
What’s more, we collected those signatures in the midst of the worst winter western Pennsylvania has seen in a generation.
I am honored by the confidence so many people have placed in me--and each day, I am more confident that the people of our region want to see principled leadership and fundamental reform in Washington. The stakes are too high for our country’s future to be left in the hands of career politicians from either party.
What’s more, we collected those signatures in the midst of the worst winter western Pennsylvania has seen in a generation.
I am honored by the confidence so many people have placed in me--and each day, I am more confident that the people of our region want to see principled leadership and fundamental reform in Washington. The stakes are too high for our country’s future to be left in the hands of career politicians from either party.
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March 08, 2010
Campaign News
Congressman Altmire demonstrates his wishy washy lack of leadership on Fox News Sunday.
Once again, our Congressman Jason Altmire, the self-styled “expert on health care” has offered nothing but equivocation and political posturing, refusing this past weekend on Fox News Sunday to disclose whether he would vote for the Senate Bill that Pelosi and Obama are now pushing. This bill, as passed by the Senate last December is loaded down with obscene special deals for favored constituencies, including the “Louisiana Purchase” and the special deal for Nebraska.
NOT included in this legislation are already existing protections against taxpayer funding of abortion, which are supported by 70% of Americans. These protections have been in place for decades, and pro-abortion advocates are using the Senate Bill to attempt to force American Taxpayers to fund a practice of which they overwhelmingly disapprove. Congressman Altmire claims to be Pro-Life, yet over and over again his votes do not match his words.
Western Pennsylvania deserves better. We deserve someone who is not afraid to lead and who will put the interests of the people over the interests of Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama. I look forward to taking on that challenge.
NOT included in this legislation are already existing protections against taxpayer funding of abortion, which are supported by 70% of Americans. These protections have been in place for decades, and pro-abortion advocates are using the Senate Bill to attempt to force American Taxpayers to fund a practice of which they overwhelmingly disapprove. Congressman Altmire claims to be Pro-Life, yet over and over again his votes do not match his words.
Western Pennsylvania deserves better. We deserve someone who is not afraid to lead and who will put the interests of the people over the interests of Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama. I look forward to taking on that challenge.
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February 09, 2010
Campaign News
Congressman Altmire admitted that "lots" of what was in the $800 billion Stimulus Bill he voted for did not work. How about rescinding what's left, Congressman?
When the big government liberals like Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Jason Altmire advocated for the $800 billion stimulus package, we were told unemployment would peak at 8%. It soared to 10% and remains stubbornly high. Congressman Altmire now admits that lots of the Stimulus has not worked. This is money that the big government liberals took from our children and grandchildren to pay off political favorites. It is time that the unspent portion of the stimulus be rescinded.
Question: How does a Congressman who votes for two consecutive $1.5 Trillion budget deficits, an $800 billion failed stimulus package and another $150 billion "jobs" stimulus get to claim to be a blue dog fiscal conservative?
Answer: When he becomes a professional politician and he thinks the people back home aren't paying attention.
We are paying attention, and in November, we will let him know.
Question: How does a Congressman who votes for two consecutive $1.5 Trillion budget deficits, an $800 billion failed stimulus package and another $150 billion "jobs" stimulus get to claim to be a blue dog fiscal conservative?
Answer: When he becomes a professional politician and he thinks the people back home aren't paying attention.
We are paying attention, and in November, we will let him know.
GAGChoobTon, Mike
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- In the news yesterday the Dems were actually happy to hear that $35k people had lost their jobs. Is this progress? Remove the shackles from the private sector and let us all enjoy prosperity and be less dependent on government! Stop the Dems from taking over a fifth of the nation's economy with their health care takeover!
February 09, 2010
Campaign News
Congressman Altmire missed another opportunity to say he will fight for common sense reforms, limited government and low taxes.
On taxes, the incumbent talked about the expiration of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, but failed to mention such expiration’s effect on small businesses. He also spoke favorably of a plan to impose a 45% death tax. The death tax went away this year, but is scheduled to be resurrected next January 1. Congressman Altmire voted before Christmas to impose that 45% rate beginning January 1 of this year. This tax hits the founders of many small businesses. Congress should vote to keep the death tax in its grave.
In this economic environment, it would be a mistake to let the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 expire. I am the first candidate running for Congress in the Fourth District who has signed American for Tax Reform’s pledge not to raise taxes. I will fight to keep taxes low and to lower taxes on capital gains and corporations, which today pay the second highest rate of tax in the world. Lower taxes help the job creators, and that's what we need in this economy!
On health care, the incumbent described four options before Congress:
(i) do nothing and let the proposed bills die; (ii) have the House pass the Senate bill as is; (iii) attempt a reconciliation between and the House and Senate bills; or (iv) attempt incremental steps.
He missed option 5: Start over, and pass legislation to (a) permit marketing of health plans across state lines; (b) enact tax equity for those who purchase health insurance on their own instead of getting through their employer; (c) promote health savings accounts; and (d) promote medical malpractice reform. Altmire missed this option because he actually voted against these private sector, market-based reforms on the same day Nancy Pelosi let him vote against her bill. Since then, Altmire has favorably commented on the Senate bill, which is just another heavy-handed, big government takeover, with a few special favors thrown in for Nebraska, Louisiana and South Florida.
I will fight any government takeover of our health care, and am the first person running for Congress in the Fourth District to sign the Club for Growth's pledge to repeal Obamacare if it passes. I will also fight for the common sense reforms outlined above.
In this economic environment, it would be a mistake to let the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 expire. I am the first candidate running for Congress in the Fourth District who has signed American for Tax Reform’s pledge not to raise taxes. I will fight to keep taxes low and to lower taxes on capital gains and corporations, which today pay the second highest rate of tax in the world. Lower taxes help the job creators, and that's what we need in this economy!
On health care, the incumbent described four options before Congress:
(i) do nothing and let the proposed bills die; (ii) have the House pass the Senate bill as is; (iii) attempt a reconciliation between and the House and Senate bills; or (iv) attempt incremental steps.
He missed option 5: Start over, and pass legislation to (a) permit marketing of health plans across state lines; (b) enact tax equity for those who purchase health insurance on their own instead of getting through their employer; (c) promote health savings accounts; and (d) promote medical malpractice reform. Altmire missed this option because he actually voted against these private sector, market-based reforms on the same day Nancy Pelosi let him vote against her bill. Since then, Altmire has favorably commented on the Senate bill, which is just another heavy-handed, big government takeover, with a few special favors thrown in for Nebraska, Louisiana and South Florida.
I will fight any government takeover of our health care, and am the first person running for Congress in the Fourth District to sign the Club for Growth's pledge to repeal Obamacare if it passes. I will also fight for the common sense reforms outlined above.
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February 02, 2010
Campaign News
Despite losing his re-election bid, former House Democratic Whip Mike Veon continued to approve staff bonuses for campaign work before leaving office
HARRISBURG — Despite losing his re-election bid in November 2006, former House Democratic Whip Mike Veon continued to approve staff bonuses for campaign work before leaving office, the former top House Democratic staffer testified today.
Michael Manzo, ex-chief of staff for former House Minority Leader Bill DeWeese, said Veon approved the bonuses from 2004-06 and is convinced DeWeese knew about the program, though he testified he never had "explicitly" discussed it with DeWeese.
"I could always be much more direct with Mike," Manzo said. That stemmed, in part, from the fact DeWeese "was not a hands-on guy," Manzo testified.
Veon, 53, who represented his Beaver County district for 20 years, is accused of overseeing a secret $1.4 million bonus system paid for by taxpayers to motivate staffers to work on campaigns.
Three of Veon's former aides also are charged in the case being prosecuted by Attorney General Tom Corbett's office — Annamarie Peretta-Rosepink, 47, a former district office manager in Beaver Falls; Brett Cott, 37, a former policy aide in Harrisburg; and Stephen Keefer, 39, the ex-director of House Democrats' information technology department.
All are charged with multiple felonies of theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest.
Manzo, the prosecution's star witness, said he and former administrator Scott Brubaker recommended bonus amounts and got Veon's approval. Brubaker then informed DeWeese, Manzo said.
DeWeese, charged with crimes in a separate case, denies knowledge of bonuses for campaign work.
After Republican Jim Marshall defeated Veon in the general election, Veon approved bonuses for campaign work before leaving office Nov. 30, Manzo said.
"Mike set the amounts for his staff. It was my suggestion for everybody else," said Manzo, who struck a plea agreement and is cooperating with prosecutors.
Prosecutors reduced charges against Manzo and his wife Rachel, who also was charged and entered a guilty plea.
Commonwealth witnesses with plea agreements who will testify against the defendants are "liars" who are in a "cover your butt mode," said attorney Bryan Walk, who is representing Cott.
Prosecutors began presenting e-mails as evidence intended to show Veon approved the bonuses.
The defense is focused on showing DeWeese as the higher-ranking leader behind the bonuses.
The attorney for Peretta-Rosepink admitted that campaign activity occurred in Veon's Beaver Falls office but said his client had no authority to approve bonuses.
"I understand there was campaigning in the Beaver County office — I can't deny that," said Michael Palermo, a Carlisle attorney. "I assure you she didn't have the authority to award anybody a bonus."
Palermo said Peretta-Rosepink worked 60 to 80 hours a week. "Nobody is going to say the taxpayers of Pennsylvania didn't get 120 percent from Annamarie Peretta-Rosepink," Palermo said.
Walk said there are no e-mails showing Cott authorized bonuses.
"Politics, legislating and campaigning are like a big ball of yarn," Walk said.
Cott spearheaded an effort that knocked Green Party candidate Carl Romanelli off the ballot in the 2006 U.S. Senate race, an effort Democrats believed would help Sen. Robert Casey. Prosecutors say it was paid for with tax money.
"Brett did exactly what he was asked to do," Walk said.
"Tom Corbett has a stake in this case," Walk said, starting to refer to Corbett's bid for the Republican nomination for governor, before Judge Richard Lewis interrupted him.
"Let's move on," Lewis said.
"I don't need to tell you why they need a conviction," Walk said. "You know why."
Veon's lawyers have said the bonus investigation is politically motivated by Corbett's effort to increase his standing with voters. Corbett said the case is based on a state grand jury's recommendation.
Veon was one of 12 Democrats charged in July 2008. Seven pleaded guilty this month.
A jury last month acquitted former Rep. Sean Ramaley of Baden, accused of holding a "ghost job" in Veon's office.
In November, 10 Republicans, including former House Speaker John Perzel of Philadelphia, were charged with diverting $10 million in tax money for sophisticated computer systems to give the GOP an edge in elections. Perzel said he is innocent.
Read Full Article Here:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_665223.html
Michael Manzo, ex-chief of staff for former House Minority Leader Bill DeWeese, said Veon approved the bonuses from 2004-06 and is convinced DeWeese knew about the program, though he testified he never had "explicitly" discussed it with DeWeese.
"I could always be much more direct with Mike," Manzo said. That stemmed, in part, from the fact DeWeese "was not a hands-on guy," Manzo testified.
Veon, 53, who represented his Beaver County district for 20 years, is accused of overseeing a secret $1.4 million bonus system paid for by taxpayers to motivate staffers to work on campaigns.
Three of Veon's former aides also are charged in the case being prosecuted by Attorney General Tom Corbett's office — Annamarie Peretta-Rosepink, 47, a former district office manager in Beaver Falls; Brett Cott, 37, a former policy aide in Harrisburg; and Stephen Keefer, 39, the ex-director of House Democrats' information technology department.
All are charged with multiple felonies of theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest.
Manzo, the prosecution's star witness, said he and former administrator Scott Brubaker recommended bonus amounts and got Veon's approval. Brubaker then informed DeWeese, Manzo said.
DeWeese, charged with crimes in a separate case, denies knowledge of bonuses for campaign work.
After Republican Jim Marshall defeated Veon in the general election, Veon approved bonuses for campaign work before leaving office Nov. 30, Manzo said.
"Mike set the amounts for his staff. It was my suggestion for everybody else," said Manzo, who struck a plea agreement and is cooperating with prosecutors.
Prosecutors reduced charges against Manzo and his wife Rachel, who also was charged and entered a guilty plea.
Commonwealth witnesses with plea agreements who will testify against the defendants are "liars" who are in a "cover your butt mode," said attorney Bryan Walk, who is representing Cott.
Prosecutors began presenting e-mails as evidence intended to show Veon approved the bonuses.
The defense is focused on showing DeWeese as the higher-ranking leader behind the bonuses.
The attorney for Peretta-Rosepink admitted that campaign activity occurred in Veon's Beaver Falls office but said his client had no authority to approve bonuses.
"I understand there was campaigning in the Beaver County office — I can't deny that," said Michael Palermo, a Carlisle attorney. "I assure you she didn't have the authority to award anybody a bonus."
Palermo said Peretta-Rosepink worked 60 to 80 hours a week. "Nobody is going to say the taxpayers of Pennsylvania didn't get 120 percent from Annamarie Peretta-Rosepink," Palermo said.
Walk said there are no e-mails showing Cott authorized bonuses.
"Politics, legislating and campaigning are like a big ball of yarn," Walk said.
Cott spearheaded an effort that knocked Green Party candidate Carl Romanelli off the ballot in the 2006 U.S. Senate race, an effort Democrats believed would help Sen. Robert Casey. Prosecutors say it was paid for with tax money.
"Brett did exactly what he was asked to do," Walk said.
"Tom Corbett has a stake in this case," Walk said, starting to refer to Corbett's bid for the Republican nomination for governor, before Judge Richard Lewis interrupted him.
"Let's move on," Lewis said.
"I don't need to tell you why they need a conviction," Walk said. "You know why."
Veon's lawyers have said the bonus investigation is politically motivated by Corbett's effort to increase his standing with voters. Corbett said the case is based on a state grand jury's recommendation.
Veon was one of 12 Democrats charged in July 2008. Seven pleaded guilty this month.
A jury last month acquitted former Rep. Sean Ramaley of Baden, accused of holding a "ghost job" in Veon's office.
In November, 10 Republicans, including former House Speaker John Perzel of Philadelphia, were charged with diverting $10 million in tax money for sophisticated computer systems to give the GOP an edge in elections. Perzel said he is innocent.
Read Full Article Here:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_665223.html
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February 02, 2010
Campaign News
As he welcomed the support of a group of union officials Monday, Sen. Arlen Specter had bad news for them.
As he welcomed the support of a group of union officials Monday, Sen. Arlen Specter had bad news for them on the legislative prospects for one of labor’s key national priorities.
Mr. Specter acknowledged that the results of the Massachusetts Senate race had dealt a blow not just to the administration’s health care initiative, but to the Employee Free Choice Act, a measure that national labor leaders had called their top priority in the new administration.
The proposal, also known as “card check,” is designed to make it easier for unions to organize new workplaces. In its original version, one key provision — a lightning rod for its critics — would have recognized a union’s right to negotiate a contract if a majority of workers signed cards affirming their desire to be represented. That could have supplanted the current requirement for a secret ballot election.
Among other labor law reforms, the bill would have created an arbitration system for contracts when management and newly recognized bargaining units fail to reach timely agreement on a new contract.
The measure has been intertwined with Mr. Specter’s remarkable political year. In the last Congress, he was the only Republican senator who voted to have it considered on the Senate floor. Last March, while still a Republican, the incumbent sought to counter conservative criticism in announcing that he would oppose the bill. That was only weeks before his stunning decision to switch to the Democratic Party. In the face of fierce union lobbying to back the measure, he has said that he was working with other senators to craft a compromise bill that would attract the 60 votes needed for passage. That was a legislative challenge even before the loss of the Kennedy seat in Massachusetts as several conservative Democrats had indicated that they would not support the bill’s original language.
In September, as he addressed the AFL-CIO’s national convention in Pittsburgh, Mr. Specter expressed confidence a that a compromise version would be enacted, one that preserved the secret ballot in organizing election.
On Monday, as he showcased the support of several union locals in news conference in the Uptown headquarters of the Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania, Mr. Specter said that things had changed.
While Mr. Specter appeared pessimistic about the bill’s chances, officials at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — which vehemently opposes the bill — said they still expect a floor vote.
Mr. Specter spoke yesterday on a conference call to tout a new poll conducted by the chamber, which, he said, showed that 61 percent of nationwide respondents oppose EFCA — with 48 percent saying they strongly oppose.
Of those polled, 52 percent said they oppose making it easier for workers to unionize in general and 61 percent opposed a compromise provision advocated by Mr. Specter on contract negotiations in which an arbitrator selects the “last best offer” of either management or the union.
Read Full Article Here:
http://www.politicspa.com/specter-says-pro-union-bill-is-in-jeopardy/6009/
Mr. Specter acknowledged that the results of the Massachusetts Senate race had dealt a blow not just to the administration’s health care initiative, but to the Employee Free Choice Act, a measure that national labor leaders had called their top priority in the new administration.
The proposal, also known as “card check,” is designed to make it easier for unions to organize new workplaces. In its original version, one key provision — a lightning rod for its critics — would have recognized a union’s right to negotiate a contract if a majority of workers signed cards affirming their desire to be represented. That could have supplanted the current requirement for a secret ballot election.
Among other labor law reforms, the bill would have created an arbitration system for contracts when management and newly recognized bargaining units fail to reach timely agreement on a new contract.
The measure has been intertwined with Mr. Specter’s remarkable political year. In the last Congress, he was the only Republican senator who voted to have it considered on the Senate floor. Last March, while still a Republican, the incumbent sought to counter conservative criticism in announcing that he would oppose the bill. That was only weeks before his stunning decision to switch to the Democratic Party. In the face of fierce union lobbying to back the measure, he has said that he was working with other senators to craft a compromise bill that would attract the 60 votes needed for passage. That was a legislative challenge even before the loss of the Kennedy seat in Massachusetts as several conservative Democrats had indicated that they would not support the bill’s original language.
In September, as he addressed the AFL-CIO’s national convention in Pittsburgh, Mr. Specter expressed confidence a that a compromise version would be enacted, one that preserved the secret ballot in organizing election.
On Monday, as he showcased the support of several union locals in news conference in the Uptown headquarters of the Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania, Mr. Specter said that things had changed.
While Mr. Specter appeared pessimistic about the bill’s chances, officials at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — which vehemently opposes the bill — said they still expect a floor vote.
Mr. Specter spoke yesterday on a conference call to tout a new poll conducted by the chamber, which, he said, showed that 61 percent of nationwide respondents oppose EFCA — with 48 percent saying they strongly oppose.
Of those polled, 52 percent said they oppose making it easier for workers to unionize in general and 61 percent opposed a compromise provision advocated by Mr. Specter on contract negotiations in which an arbitrator selects the “last best offer” of either management or the union.
Read Full Article Here:
http://www.politicspa.com/specter-says-pro-union-bill-is-in-jeopardy/6009/
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