Posted on 02/23/2006 11:00:59 AM PST by smoothsailing
Irey weighs run against Murtha
Linda Ritzer
Staff writer
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey is taking a "very, very serious look" at taking on 31-year incumbent U.S. Rep. John Murtha in this year's 12th District congressional election, an adviser said Wednesday.
Irey's political consultant, John Brabender of Brabender Cox in Pittsburgh, confirmed that Irey is circulating nominating petitions throughout the area.
"The people she's listening most to are people within the district," Brabender said. "People from all corners of the district have called her and have said they will support her if she does run."
Irey did not return calls Wednesday seeking comment.
She is not an official candidate, but Brabender said she will make a decision in the next 10 days.
Irey, 43, of Carroll Township, has been the minority Republican county commissioner since 1997. Murtha, 73, of Johnstown, is a senior member of Congress, dean of the state's congressional delegation and the top-ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations defense subcommittee. He set off a firestorm in November when he called for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
Brabender acknowledged that the race would be difficult, given the layout of the district and Murtha's tenure and fund-raising ability.
However, he believes there is a groundswell of dissatisfaction with Murtha.
"Clearly, there is a big Democrat-to-Republican advantage, as there is in Washington County. But before these people are Democrats or Republicans, they are parents, grandparents, students. There are things that are important to them. They see how John Murtha has gone Washington on them, and they want someone who is more in touch with the district," he said.
The 12th District meanders through all or part of nine counties, from the West Virginia line in Greene County, through half of Washington County and up to Cambria County.
Brabender said some people have concerns about Murtha's position on Iraq, while others are concerned about his position on issues such as Social Security and his lack of visibility in the district.
"He is someone who has been there quite long. It seems like he has given up the fight to help the district and is worred more about being on national TV," he continued.
Irey will need to introduce herself in parts of the sprawling district, and get her message out about cutting government waste and holding the line on taxes, he said.
Fund-raising would be a big issue in the race. In 2002, when Murtha squared off against U.S. Rep. Frank Mascara of Charleroi after Mascara's district was eliminated in redistricting, Murtha raised almost $2.4 million. He got 65 percent of the Democratic primary vote and went on to crush a perennial Republican candidate in November.
Murtha's 2005 year-end campaign finance report indicates he has $1.59 million on hand. Irey's year-end report shows a balance of $57,000.
"This is going to be a huge challenge for her to try to beat Murtha," said Dr. G. Terry Madonna, director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin & Marshall College.
Brabender said Irey has been courted before to run for Congress or statewide office but declined because of her family responsibliities. She and her husband, Bob, have three children ages 12 to 16.
"They are now of the age they can travel on the campaign trail, and now is the right time," he said.
Murtha's spokesman, Brad Clemenson, declined to comment on Irey's potential candidacy. He said Murtha intends to run for re-election and is circulating nominating petitions.
Content © 2006 Observer Publishing Co.
She is really excited about the campaign and is definitely running.
EXCELLENT NEWS!!
This is GREAT news!
Thanks for the post and ping!
Bumping...
Thank you!
You're welcome.
I am anxious to learn more about her. Thanks for the update!
She loves our guys, just like you and I do.
You're doing God's work at Walter Reed, I lurk on the threads.
I'll keep you informed about goings on here, I promise.
All the Best! :)
No need to lurk.....jump in!!!
I'll keep you informed about goings on here
Thanks! Just because we don't all live there, does not mean we will not help. ;*)
That's why I love Free Republic, so many good folks around here. :)
Bump
BTTT
Can't believe you didn't ping me earlier, while talking about our Friday conservation! ;-)
There were others discussing this as well. I can't remember everyone so pinged no one!
Okay. I'll let it slide. You had a very good reason to be tired! :)
I'm having trouble posting the address needed to send a contribution to Diana's campaign. It is Diana Irey for Congress * PO Box 117 * Finleyville, PA 15332
Thanks
Where can I find it? Is there a website or source I can check?
I'd like to send it out to all who are interested!
Thanks, R.
The nominating petition drive is on track and doing fine.
Expect formal announcement of Diana Irey for Congress campaign early next week.
As public announcements are made in various counties of the 12th Congressional district, I will post them here.
A mailing address has been set up for campaign contributions:
Diana Irey for Congress
PO Box 117
Finleyville PA 15332
The campaign is about to launch!
Please post or freepmail me if you have questions,advice,comments,or best wishes!
WOO HOO!
Excellent! Looking forward to the festivities and the campaign.
In addition to criticizing Murtha for his defeatism on the Iraq War and his statements that gave comfort to our enemies abroad, here are some of Murtha's votes over the past two years with which Irey can hit Murtha:
Murtha voted against the Real ID Act, to establish and rapidly implement regulations for State driver's license and identification document security standards, to prevent terrorists from abusing the asylum laws of the United States, to unify terrorism-related grounds for inadmissibility and removal, and to ensure expeditious construction of the San Diego border fence
Murtha was one of only 58 Representatives to vote against allowing federal courts to review the Terri Schiavo case while she was being starved to death.
Murtha voted to use taxpayer dollars to finance research that destroys embryos for their stem cells.
Murtha voted against the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act
Murtha voted against the Gasoline for America's Security Act, to expedite the construction of new oil refineries in the United States and implement penalties to prevent gasoline suppliers from overcharging consumers.
Murtha's voting record is an issue, and I appreciate the input.:)
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