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Irey Weighs Run Against Murtha
Washington Observer-Reporter ^ | 2-23-06 | Linda Ritzer

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.


TOPICS: Front Page News; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; US: Pennsylvania
KEYWORDS: 2006; dianairey; irey; murtha
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To: smoothsailing; Sisku Hanne; NittanyLion

Did anyone post this article to the PA state forum?


61 posted on 02/23/2006 4:20:57 PM PST by Coop (FR = a lotta talk, but little action)
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To: Coop
I didn't.But use the link and by all means, post it! Thanks!
62 posted on 02/23/2006 4:31:37 PM PST by smoothsailing
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To: Coop

Interesting: I had a student, John Brabender, just a couple of years ago. UD recruits heavily from Pittsburgh. I wonder if he's related.


63 posted on 02/23/2006 4:33:09 PM PST by LS (CNN is the Amtrak of news)
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To: smoothsailing

I'm in Virginia. :-)


64 posted on 02/23/2006 4:33:11 PM PST by Coop (FR = a lotta talk, but little action)
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To: smoothsailing

She certainly LOOKS better than Murtha!


65 posted on 02/23/2006 4:34:02 PM PST by LS (CNN is the Amtrak of news)
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To: LS

UD?


66 posted on 02/23/2006 4:34:36 PM PST by Coop (FR = a lotta talk, but little action)
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To: smoothsailing

Well she sure is one heck better looking than Murtha.


67 posted on 02/23/2006 4:34:48 PM PST by conservative blonde (Conservative Blonde)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; martin_fierro; beyond the sea; writer33; Calpernia; SandRat
Thanks, brother Tonk!

Everybody,please ping your lists.

68 posted on 02/23/2006 4:38:37 PM PST by smoothsailing
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To: Coop
HA! Well, post it there,Coop!
69 posted on 02/23/2006 4:41:30 PM PST by smoothsailing
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To: Sisku Hanne

Thanks Sisku!


70 posted on 02/23/2006 4:43:07 PM PST by Just A Nobody (NEVER AGAIN - Support our troops. I *LOVE* my attitude problem! Beware the Enemedia.)
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To: Coop

I liked that too!


71 posted on 02/23/2006 4:44:21 PM PST by Just A Nobody (NEVER AGAIN - Support our troops. I *LOVE* my attitude problem! Beware the Enemedia.)
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To: smoothsailing

Is that beautiful lady second from the right Diana Irey?


72 posted on 02/23/2006 4:52:09 PM PST by Clintonfatigued (Bob Taft for Impeachment)
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To: smoothsailing

Okay, you post it on the Keystone state forum and I'll handle the Commonwealth of VA forum. :-)


73 posted on 02/23/2006 4:52:50 PM PST by Coop (FR = a lotta talk, but little action)
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To: Coop
I posted a link on the PA. board.

But seriously, this could quickly become a national campaign, so post it on the Va. board.If it gets a few donations to Diana's campaign, so much the better!

74 posted on 02/23/2006 4:55:12 PM PST by smoothsailing
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To: Clintonfatigued
You betcha!
75 posted on 02/23/2006 4:57:36 PM PST by smoothsailing
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To: Coop
They seem to be too busy fighting about Swann...instead of uniting behind him and Rick!!!!!!!!
76 posted on 02/23/2006 4:59:17 PM PST by GregB (Bomb Iran!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
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To: smoothsailing

Hey stop putting those pics of her,I am a married man...water help someone give water...oh wait cold shower,that will do the ticket.


77 posted on 02/23/2006 5:01:29 PM PST by GregB (Bomb Iran!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
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To: smoothsailing; GEC; Mo1; Kuksool; William Creel; AuH2ORepublican; LS; LdSentinal; JohnnyZ; Coop; ...

There are two key questions:

1.) Are Washington County Commissioners elected at-large or by district?

2.) What kind of margins has she won by?


78 posted on 02/23/2006 5:02:29 PM PST by Clintonfatigued (Bob Taft for Impeachment)
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To: smoothsailing
But seriously, this could quickly become a national campaign, so post it on the Va. board.

It's already posted, and Murtha made this a national campaign back around Thanksgiving of last year.

79 posted on 02/23/2006 5:04:38 PM PST by Coop (FR = a lotta talk, but little action)
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To: GregB
I've got two more to post, so hang on!

BTW, where do you live in Pa., Greg?

80 posted on 02/23/2006 5:09:51 PM PST by smoothsailing
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