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.
;*) I know...I still have family and friends in the area. Will help all I can.
I wish I live in PA.
Great ping.
I know if enough Rep get out there she can win.
[Mrs]
Awwwww!!!
No need to live there ..... just send money! ;*)
I just spoke to her campaign office. She IS running against M'utha. They are gathering signatures now, which she said will be no problem. Money of course will be the biggest issue.
Please ping your lists and see what we can do to help her!
BTW, the woman I spoke to is the mother of a Marine!
29 posted on 02/23/2006 12:01:21 PM PST by Justanobody
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1584238/posts?page=29#29
Thank you Mr. Tonkin, Sir.
BTTT
Yep. I imagine there are more than a few of us around here that would happily chip in to send a message to that jerk Murtha.
Interesting turn of events. I have no clue as to her ideological position, but she is an attractive candidate.
This lovely lady is low on cash but very seriously (Tonk says it's a done deal) considering taking on that jerk Murtha. Please keep her in mind and spread the word. Cheers!
She can count on a donation from me!
I'm in Indiana Co., Pa. Indiana Co. went red last election.
Go Diana! You've got my support!
bttt
Ping
Ms. Irey scored extra points with me by having the Marine Corps band playing on her website. :-)
Diana can win this!
If she can get permission to put clips from Hardball in her TV commercials, he's toast.
That pic is a little...fuzzy.
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