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.
"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."
That can be overcome if the party thinks he is a serious candidate.
The title should read "Irey Weighs Run Against Murtha".
This is Front Page news here locally today, although I'm not positive it's breaking news.
Where it goes in the sidebar is your call,of course.
Thanks!
Sounds like it could be a good fight!
How did this district vote in the presidential election?
Any US Representative who tells the young people of our nation not to join the military doesn't belong in Congress. That is unforgivable.
"Irey's a gal, I'll have a pic up in a minute."
And apparently her name recognition has not reached to my little corner of Georgia. :)
Is that her high school picture?
I think this was a Kerry district. It is probably impossible to beat Murtha, sad to say. But as long as the Dems are looking for strong challengers to run in previously safe Repub. districts, then I think the GOP ought to make every attempt to give Dems a fight.
Brabender does good work. I'd like to see him get his chance to produce advertising and do fundraising for this race. Run, Diana, Run!
Who wouldn't vote for this beautiful, intelligent woman over that fat, bloviating, orca-Ted Kennedy wannabe?
Pubbie women are a major reason I'm a pubbie. Ugly broads are demonRATS. {I know, that is very sexist, but it's true}. The women are {secretly} proud and most men won't admit it. Looks and brains are not mutually exclusive, and I also admire the other part{s}.
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