Am I first to post a pick of Colonel Klink?
Posted on 12/22/2005 9:12:54 PM PST by LdSentinal
Former 4th Congressional District Rep. Ron Klink ended weeks of speculation on Wednesday by saying that he would not try to win back the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart.
"I'm not running," Klink said. "It was not in the cards."
Earlier this month, Klink confirmed that he had been contacted by people who wanted him to enter next year's Democratic primary.
Many Democrats think that Hart, R-4, Bradford Woods, will be vulnerable because of her close ties to President Bush, especially since Democrats have a 15,000-voter advantage in the district.
Vulnerability, however, is not something Hart has shown in the last two elections, in which she whipped Center Township Democrat Stevan Drobac Jr., who had no party support.
So far, two Democrats are in the race, New Castle businesswoman Georgia Berner and former UPMC Health System executive Jason Altmire.
In their wish to unseat Hart, some local Democrats saw the perfect candidate in Klink, a former representative with instant name recognition and the ability to raise enough money to mount a formidable challenge.
Klink, though, said his businesses are doing well - besides a lobbying firm, he operates an alternative pension fund and an economic development company - and he makes much more money now than he would in Congress.
Rank-and-file members of Congress are paid $158,100 annually.
He talked to people, Klink said, but never seriously considered making a run at his former seat, which he left in 2000 to challenge U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Penn Hills. Klink's been working in the private sector since his loss to Santorum.
Klink pegged his interest in entering the race at "less than one" on a scale of 1 to 10. "I never really had the ambition to get back into (politics) at this point," he said.
Altmire said that potential supporters who were waiting to see what Klink would do have joined his effort now that Klink is officially out.
"We're full speed ahead," Altmire said. "We've had a lot of momentum over the last couple of days."
Contrary to reports, Altmire said he had not vowed to quit the race if Klink entered, although he said he "would've done what's best for the goal of beating Melissa Hart."
Berner said she respected Klink's decision, but his entrance would not have affected her campaign.
"I was not going to get out of the race whether he got in it or not," she said. "I'm in this race to stay."
Berner, however, did have one regret about Klink not running. "Think of what fun it would've been to beat two men," she said with a laugh.
Am I first to post a pick of Colonel Klink?
yup!
Since it's been up all of two minutes? Yes.
I was going to do it if you hadn't ;)
I wish I lived in Beaver County.......
No surprise here. Ron Klink endorsed Arlen Specter last year. Melissa Hart will win again, though her margin may fall.
H eis too busy trying to catch Colonel Hogan in the act of escaping...
Klink doesn't want to be a two-time loser.
ping
I guess the leaves Sgt Schultz to run. I rather have Hilda run, though.)
I would also rather have Hilda...
Do you know that Col. Hogan and Hilda got married in real life?
Yep. Hogan's Heroes is one of my all-time favourite TV programmes and I know a fair amount of trivia about it.
Philadelphia Freepdom: Clinton's "Klink" is the Sound of Money in Philly (After Action Report)
Too bad it would have been nice to kick his ash again.
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Yes. Why did you call me here?
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I won't beat around the bush, Klink. We need you to infiltrate the DNC.
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What!? But how?!
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Leave that to me, Klink. Right now I want you to lose the monocle, shave
the sides of your head and put on a suit. Do that and report back here on the
double!
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. 1/2 an hour later...
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Excellent, Klink! Even better than we had anticipated! From here on out you will
be addressed as James Carville. By the time we're through with you you'll be
walking and talking just like Ol' Corporal Cue-ball himself! Now, let me show
you my plan....
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"Thirty days in the cooler, Hogan!"
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What?
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Nothing. I was just having a flashback.
...he deserves it!
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