Posted on 04/24/2004 6:15:44 AM PDT by Mark Zovak
(PA-15th. Congressional District) As Toomey battles Specter and everyone watches. Toomey's open congressional slot is up for grabs. State Senator Charlie Dent, was suppose to be a shoe in. But his prior lead in the polls has evaporated. Running against a candidate that is similar to Toomey. Dent has found himself in a tight battle in the Lehigh Valley. Dr. Joe Pascuzzo, has found a large following of Toomey supporters along the way. Many of them do not like Dent's liberal conservative tactics or views. Since Dent's lead in the race has slipped, Dent has started running negative campaign ads against Pascuzzo. The ad's attack Pascuzzo's tax record as a Lehigh County Commissioner. The ad's may be backfiring, the same way Specter's did against Toomey. As all eyes are on the Specter/Toomey race, another upset could be in the making in Toomey's home area. The 15th Congressional District is a democratic area, but the republicans have had good luck with Toomey and the lack of good democratic candidates.
"Thank you for visiting my website. This election is about experience- real life experience vs. purely political experience. I will be a true citizen legislator not a career politician. Please take a look at my background and my positions on the issues that are important to you. I look forward to earning your support and serving as your Congressman in the 15th District."
Copyright © 2003 [Pascuzzo for Congress]. All rights reserved.
Update 4/22/04 Newest Press Releases begin here
Joe Pascuzzo, D.O.
Former Lehigh County Commissioner - Republican Candidate for U.S. House, 15th District
Phone: 610-391-1688 Fax: 610-391-1716 Cell: 610-533-5256
EMAIL: pascuzzogop@yahoo.com
www.pascuzzoforcongress.com
For Release: Tuesday September 23, 2003
Contact: Sandra Pascuzzo at 610-509-7629
Allentown, PA. Lehigh County Commissioner Dr. Joe Pascuzzo, a Hematologist/Oncologist formally announced his bid to run for the 15th District [PA] Congressional seat in the Republican Primary in April 2004.
Pat Toomey who is not seeking re-election currently holds the seat.
The district includes all of Northampton County, most of Lehigh County, parts of Northern Montgomery, and two small sections in Eastern Berks County.
Pascuzzo said that his values and the values of most of the people of the 15th District dovetail. He cites his vast experience as the reason why he is the far superior candidate. He noted his 26 years as a physician including direct patient care, serving as a hospital board member, and representing physicians in a leadership role on the medical staff will offer Congress uncommon and much needed experience in dealing with the ever increasing complexity of medical issues in Washington.
Pascuzzo noted that he has served four active duty tours in the Persian Gulf with the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel and Flight Surgeon. As such, he has flown combat and combat support missions over and around Iraq for which he was awarded the U.S. Air Force Aerial Achievement Award. He is in his 12th year of service in the Air National Guard. No other candidate for the seat has any military experience. Joe noted that he is a graduate of the Air Force Air War College and commented, "That training gave me invaluable experience not just in military tactics and theory but in international affairs."
As county commissioner, he has voted against all tax increases proposed for Lehigh County residents and was the only commissioner to oppose and vote against the $60 million in spending increases the past two years combined. He also wrote, sponsored, and shepherded passage of a proposed charter change amendment that will be on the November ballot. If approved by the voters, it will decrease the likelihood of future county tax increases.
Calling himself a fiscal and social conservative [pro-life], Pascuzzo said, "I support traditional family values and will support a Constitutional amendment if necessary to keep marriage recognized as only between a man and a woman. Additionally, I will oppose all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and businesses."
Dr. Joe Pascuzzo noted about one of his rival, "With the economy starting to rebound, thanks to President Bush's tax cuts and the hard-working men and women in America's workforce, what we don't need is another 'tax and spend' pork-barrel politician like Charlie Dent in Congress. I've fought for the taxpayers here in Lehigh County, and I'm the best candidate to fight for them in Washington."
Noting that he came from a poor ethnic neighborhood and still remembers his roots, Pascuzzo feels he can fairly and honestly represent the average person in the 15th District. Speaking of his reputation as having a fiercely independent streak, he noted, "I never have and never will hesitate to do what is right for my constituents even if it goes against the wishes of Republican Party leadership."
Dr. Pascuzzo had more than three years experience as a physician at the Allentown VA clinic. He saluted his fellow workers there for their efforts to care for his fellow veterans and noted he will work hard to cure the understaffing and under funding there. He further noted he is a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and is a Life Member of the NRA and a hunter since his teenage years.
Additionally, he will work toward Malpractice Reform on the federal level citing the Pennsylvania legislature as trying to "stop hemorrhaging with a Band-Aid." He believes that billions can be saved by integrating Medicare, the VA system, and Tricare, the Department of Defense sponsored plan that provides healthcare for military retirees. He supports a strong National Defense and commented that the United States cannot allow Iran and North Korea to maintain long-range ballistic missiles nor nuclear weapons.
Pascuzzo dedicated his campaign to his mother Trudi, who died on July 4th, 2002. He acknowledges the support of his wife of 23 years, Sandy as well as his daughter Nicole, 19 and as his son Marc, 22.
Wow, great tag line. Haven't seen that one before.
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