Pittsburgh Tea Party Nonpartisan Voters Guide
General Election, November 8, 2011
This Voters Guide may be taken into the voting booth. Help to get out the VOTE!
Allegheny County Chief Executive-Vote for
one
Term: 4 years
Salary: $90,000
Democrat, Rich Fitzgerald, Squirrel
Hill
Allegheny County Councilman 13 years, representing District 11, President of Allegheny County Council 8 years, resigned to run for County Executive; Owner of Aquenef (water treatment company); B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie-Mellon University, 1981; Worked for NALCO Chemical Company, Illinois as a water treatment chemical sales representative ; Issues: Fighting for Jobs-encourage small business owners to locate or stay in Allegheny County and utilize the Region’s first class educational institutions as catalysts for jobs; Becoming a leader in energy-Marcellus Shale drilling for natural gas in a safe, responsible manner while protecting the environment and communities; Require exploration companies to pay their fair share, prohibiting drilling within 2,000 feet of any residential dwelling, school, hospital, or nursing home; Requiring public hearings where drilling is proposed; Will work with State Legislature to enact a severance tax on Marcellus Shale with two thirds of money going back to local communities, and one third to the state; Create tax credits for companies that hire local workers; Utilize CCAC to train local workers for jobs in industry; Create a Marcellus Commission for information and support; Property Tax-work with state lawmakers to reform the property tax system in Pennsylvania; Fighting for Seniors- proposes to streamline government, reduce taxes, and ensure vital programs for county residents in their later years; Make county government more transparent; Pittsburgh International Airport-Build a world trade center business park with a foreign trade zone free of international tariffs making exports cheaper, increase airport traffic; The Fitzgerald
The Fitzgerald Record: Imposed largest tax in history of Allegheny County (poured drink tax and tax on rental cars); No effort to balance the county budget; Classified W&K Steel as a sweatshop creating chaos at the company level (vetoed by Dan Onorato); Tried to extort campaign funds from drilling companies in exchange for support as President of Council and County Executive (revealed in the Tribune–Review); Proposed increasing salaries of elected officials; Oversaw $!00,000 renovation of Council meeting room; Voted to block row office reforms ; Accused of violating Sunshine Laws; Opposed merit hiring; Did not appoint an Ethics Commission: Large number of campaign supporters are vendors of Allegheny County; Voted to remove the plaque of the Ten Commandments from the County Courthouse
Republican, D. Raja, Highly
Qualified Candidate, Mount Lebanon
Cofounded CEI (Computer Enterprise, Inc.), an Allegheny County technology company employing hundreds in the region. CEI is a leading national firm providing cutting edge IT solutions and custom proprietary software to businesses throughout the United States. Raja initiated the Business Mentoring Round Table advising start-up companies to help them stay and grow in the region. Was founding chair of the University of Pittsburgh’s Computer Science Industry Board to better prepare Pitt students for jobs in the world of technology. Recognized by Carnegie Science Center as Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009; Selected as Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young in 2008; Received the Smart Business Pace Setter’s Award for CEO excellence in 2007; Presented with the Diamond Award recognizing the region’s leading CEO’s and Presidents for large business in 2008 by the Pittsburgh Business Times; Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and MBA from Carnegie Mellon University in 2001. Municipal experience: Serves as Commissioner in Mt. Lebanon, elected President in 2010; Policies: Each policy put forth by Raja is detailed and innovative. There is so much detail to each plan that only the highlights can be presented here. (1) Creating Jobs by increased support for start ups, establishing a competitive climate, capitalizing on the region’s Marcellus Shale resources; By promoting existing local talent, demonstrating the state of the region’s low cost of living, and high quality of life plans to encourage companies to establish regional headquarter or back office operations in Allegheny County; Proposes to promote Allegheny County as a competitive entity in the global economy by working with state officials and the Allegheny Conference to develop pro-business policy and image. Plans to grow exports from the county by helping small and mid-size businesses sell their products globally; Will work with large businesses, medical centers and educational institutions to provide a network of support internationally; Develop Pittsburgh’s International Airport as a Innovation Zone, using money from Marcellus Shale leases of airport property to help establish specialized businesses and a research park. Businesses located at the airport would be in a tax free zone permitting them to carry on commerce with low export tariffs; Locate a high tech university incubator at the airport to focus on commercialization of innovative research in energy; (2) Tax Plan - Through budget changes, reduction in county taxes, working for State Tax Reform, establishing a fair regulatory environment and fair fee structure, and pension reform, will balance the county budget, encourage business development and jobs and provide a higher standard of living in the County; (3 ) Mass Transit Innovation- By introducing competition in mass transit and non-utilized routes, bring down the cost of public transportation and increase availability and service to the public; (4) Modernizing County Government and Improving services through technology, tracking and publishing benchmarks and productivity and performance scores. Departments that are not meeting performance thresholds will need to be addressed and changed; Develop responsible spending coupled with efficiency; Develop a host of Public Partnerships, Public-Private Partnerships stressing privatization; (5) Economic Growth and the Marcellus Shale- while responsibly protecting the environment and workers develop this natural resource to bring jobs into the area, use money earned from drilling for innovative development, and in particular, develop the Shale resources at Pittsburgh International Airport; (6) Education- Unite educational efforts to offer training and education for jobs that require a high level of skills or specific skills so that the workforce, industry, and education join forces for increasing job opportunities; Extend the University of Pittsburgh Industry Board concept to insure that institutions of higher learning keep in touch with local work needs and provide the appropriate curricula ; Train workers for the Marcellus shale Industry; Provide support for high school and middle school students to take advantage of local educational opportunities and encourage organizations like the Pittsburgh Compact to connect employers with high school and middle school students; To extend a scholarship program similar to the “Pittsburgh Promise” to all county residents to keep the best and brightest in our region; Promote public school reform locally so that schools become more competitive in serving the needs of jobs and youth.
The Raja Record: Cut taxes twice in Mt. Lebanon, as well
as produced balanced budgets for the municipality; Used Marcellus Shale revenue
to reduce excessive fees; Re-worked ordinances to foster main street
development; Created approximately 300 good paying jobs in the region through
his own IT company; Out -Sourcing to create jobs elsewhere is not the company
policy, employs significantly fewer
people in outside the US; CEI pays 94% of payroll to people in the US. Raja has, can, and does create jobs in
the US and particularly in this region:
Note: Raja has not been fined
by the Department of Labor for failure to pay the minimum wage. Promised to repeal the poured
drink tax.
Allegheny County Controller – Vote for
one
Term: 4
years
Salary:
$66,500
Democratic
Chelsa Wagner, Brookline
State representative from the 22nd District (serving third term), Serves as Vice Chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation; Formerly, attorney in private practice; Business Analyst for large private company; Degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago; J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh; High level of support from organized labor; Record: Strong advocate for libraries, proposed devoting gaming revenues to the library system; Initiated efforts to plan the “T” light rail line and the Route 51 corridor; Comes from an established political family; Record in Harrisburg: Has missed a large and significant number of important votes.
Republican, Robert Howard, Highly
Qualified Candidate,
Marshall
Retired business executive (34 years) and small business owner; Worked as a Controller (PPG Industries) performing budgeting, performance analyses, computer systems installation, served as European Treasurer (France); Worked as Junior Olympics Softball Coach and was member of the board of an athletic organization as well as its president; U.S. Army Reserve Officer; BA from Pennsylvania State University, specializing in accounting; Graduate studies at the University of Missouri and the University of Pittsburgh; Elected to School Board of North Allegheny School District (served as president for two years); Worked as a Counselor for small businesses through SCORE; Committed to: Paying bills accurately and on time; Reporting and explaining financial performance; Auditing expenditures and offices; and assuming the integrity of weights and measurements; Has not accepted financial contributions from union bosses or companies doing business with Allegheny County, refuses public pension at taxpayer expense; Unfettered by the political machine, possesses extensive experience as a financial executive and independent watchdog. Endorsed by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Allegheny County Treasurer – Vote for
one
Term: 4
years
Salary:
$66,500
Democratic, John K.
Weinstein
No headquarters, no information other than Internet
Incumbent, in office since 1999, attended
Robert Morris University, no evidence of graduation; before election as
Treasurer of Allegheny County, served as the manager of a beauty academy. Heads a staff of 80 that is
approximately three to four times the size any private company with the same
budget would entertain.
Republican, C. Edward Pfeifer, Highly Qualified Candidate,
Shadyside
Worked for ALCOA for 30 years; Served as Treasurer of ALCOA, a company with $20 billion in revenue, $1 billion in net income and a budget much larger than Allegheny County; Was able to manage the finances of this S&P 500 company with a staff approximately one third the size of the Allegheny County Treasurer’s Department. Has the direct experience to cut expenses and streamline operations. Also, served as Chief Financial Officer of ALCOA of Australia, Ltd, ALCOA;s largest subsidiary. Founder of C.E. Pfeifer, Inc., a registered securities firm (member of FINRA and SIPC); Is qualified in all SEC licensing including municipal securities and options trading. Served as a broker dealer, registered investment counselor overseeing the management of $90 million of private client portfolio funds; Serves as a consultant to small companies and has raised capital for Pennsylvania oil and gas drilling partnerships. BS and MS in Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, MBA from the University of Pittsburgh; Philosophy: Fiscal Responsibility, Economic growth, and Accountability, committed to protecting financial resources and providing a transparent administration. Opposes special interests and waste in government.
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Stop Administrative Amnesty Call Your Representative and Tell Them to Co-Sponsor the HALT Act!
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ATTENTION PATRIOTS
CHANGE TO RESTORING COURAGE EVENT START TIME
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Pittsburgh Tea Party Movement Event
GLENN BECK'S RESTORING COURAGE EVENT
THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON WED, AUGUST 24 2011 AT THE FOUR POINTS SHERATON IN CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP FROM 11:30AM - 2:30PM.
The Pittsburgh Tea Party Movement and the Pittsburgh 912 Project are proud to present a "Restoring Courage" viewing party.
We will be using a live direct feed from Jerusalem to enable us to stand with Glenn Beck as he stands with Israel.
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We would like to thank the Veterans and Patriots United for their support.
I
can't make it
Thank-you so much for your continued support. If you have any questions about
this event please contact us. Sincerely, Janet Cook / Pat Rowlands Pittsburgh Tea Party Movement-Pittsburgh 912 Project 412-367-8563 CONTRACT FROM PENNSYLVANIA
SURVEY
Dear Pennsylvanians, It is time for Pennsylvania Patriots to let
their wishes be known regarding the type of legislative issues that are
important to them. To that end, we have developed a Contract From
Pennsylvania Survey that we plan to consolidate into a Contract From
Pennsylvania to take to Harrisburg to get our
legislators to sign. In order to get this Contract into existence, we need
as many Pennsylvanians as possible to go to the link that follows and take the
survey. We need high numbers for the survey to have an impact on the
legislators. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CHZ2NV33N/
PLEASE TAKE THE SURVEY BY INDEPENDENCE DAY—JULY 4,
2011. The results can then be calculated, and
the top ten issues will be included in the Contract. Once you have taken
the survey, send the link to every
Pennsylvanian in your address book. There are 25 issues on the
survey. You should choose the top five priority issues you would like to
see become law. Some of the issues may be underway in the legislature and
others may already have failed. Don’t let that dissuade you from not
taking the survey. Our purpose is to find out what is most important to We
The People and let our legislators know what those issues are. Once the
Contract is completed, we will send a copy to all who took the survey, which you
can print and take to your own legislators. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CHZ2NV33N/
Thank you for participating in this patriotic
endeavor! Patti Weaver, Roberta Pfeiffer Gick, Janet Cook
The Pittsburgh Tea Party Movement
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CHZ2NV33N/
By Connie Hair 10/08/2010 Democrats in the Senate on Thursday held a recess hearing covering a taxpayer
bailout of union pensions and a plan to seize private 401(k) plans to more
"fairly" distribute taxpayer-funded pensions to everyone. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and
Pensions (HELP) Committee heard from hand-picked witnesses advocating the
infamous "Guaranteed Retirement Account" (GRA) authored by Theresa
Guilarducci. (You can find the blistering interview with Guilarducci by radio talk show host
Mark Levin in 2007 at the link). In a nutshell, under the GRA system government would seize
private 401(k) accounts, setting up an additional 5% mandatory payroll tax
to dole out a "fair" pension to everyone using that confiscated money coupled
with the mandated contributions. This would, of course, be a sister government
ponzi scheme working in tandem with Social Security, the primary purpose being
to give big government politicians additional taxpayer funds to raid to pay for
their out-of-control spending. From written hearing testimony submitted by Economic Policy
Institute (EPI) Vice President Ross Eisenbrey: "We need a comprehensive solution that addresses interrelated problems. For
example, a system that places most of the burden for retirement saving on
individuals will always have to wrestle with the problem of pre-retirement loans
and withdrawals (simply plugging these leaks will not work, because many workers
would stop contributing to the system). A system that relies on tax incentives
to promote individual retirement savings will necessarily tend to favor
high-income workers who can afford to save more and who benefit the most from
these tax breaks. Conversely, a truly universal system would need to shield
low-income workers from out-of-pocket costs or wage cuts. EPI has published and
advocated what we feel would be an excellent national supplemental retirement
plan, the Guaranteed Retirement Account which was authored by Prof. Teresa
Ghilarducci, Director of the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis at the
New School for Social Research. " The EPI is housed on the third floor of the building occupied by the George
Soros-funded Center for American Progress, a hard-core leftist group whose
flavor of socialist policy has brought you the current blend of elitist
socialism and crony capitalism bankrupting the American economy. Which speaks
volumes about EPI and the Democrat leadership's choice of witness. Brett McMahon, spokesman for the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a
trade association, warns this hearing exposed part of a process that may come as
early as the November lame duck push to bailout union pensions by attaching the
bailout to an across-the-board extension of the current tax rates. "I am deeply concerned that they will try to attach something like the Casey
bill or the Casey bill in and of itself to tax cut extensions bill that is
inevitably going to have to be dealt with at some point during the lame duck
session," McMahon told HUMAN EVENTS. As reported in HUMAN EVENTS the Casey bill from Sen. Bob Casey
(D-Penn.) is a new entitlement program that would set up a permanent bailout of
the union multi-employer pension plans that are desperately underwater through a
new "fifth fund" at the government Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).
Casey's bill would create a line item on the federal budget through the PBGC to
fund these union pension bailouts annually -- union pensions that are underwater
as a result of mismanagement that pre-dates the 2008 financial upheaval. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was the only other senator at the hearing with
Harkin. His particular brand of gutter class warfare was on full display as the
self-described socialist made the absurd claim that wealthy job creators oppose
the Social Security system because it "works." "So, the reason that there is so much opposition to Social Security for some
of these billionaire guys is because Social Security has worked. It has done
exactly what it was supposed to do. It has worked for the elderly, for the
disabled, for widows and orphans," Sanders said in his opening remarks. In typical leftist drive-by fashion, Sanders never explained why he believes
successful people don't like the elderly, disabled, widows or orphans. And, of course, the theme of the day was "fairness" as it's somehow "fair" to
take what one person has earned in the free market and give it to another in a
government-run wealth redistribution retirement scheme. Shareen Miller, a personal care assistant and a member of the Service
Employees International Union (SEIU) Local Number 5 in Falls Church, Virginia,
offered testimony about the need for wealth redistribution to fund her
pension. "I make $12 an hour and receive no healthcare benefits, retirement benefits,
sick time or vacation," the SEIU union member said. Which begs the question: why is she paying union dues? Not exactly a sterling
recommendation for SEIU membership. Miller went on to say that the physical demands of her job giving care to a
cerebral palsy patient are becoming more difficult. But Miller has been aware of
these conditions for at least two years. In 2008, Miller spent a day with then Virginia Senate candidate Mark Warner
in an SEIU "Walk a day in the shoes" for Democrat candidates. Common
sense would dictate Miller's individual responsibility for moving out of this
particular line of work, leaving the physically demanding jobs to younger folks
entering the work force. Perhaps Miller could demand fair payment for shilling
for Democrats. But the physical demands and hazardous jobs claims are not new from those
demanding taxpayers fund a "fair" pension for everyone. This scheme is at the
heart of the collapse of European socialism. From Michael Lewis in Vanity Fair magazine: "The retirement age for Greek jobs classified as 'arduous' is as early as 55
for men and 50 for women. As this is also the moment when the state begins to
shovel out generous pensions, more than 600 Greek professions somehow managed to
get themselves classified as arduous: hairdressers, radio announcers, waiters,
musicians, and on and on and on." Overall McMahon said the pressing issue for the lame duck is the union
pension bailout with new Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) rules
currently set to take effect December 15. These new rules would force companies
to account for the cost of penalties to extract themselves from these union
pension plans against their bottom line. (Full report from HUMAN EVENTS here.) "The pension bailouts are something they need desperately and they need
quickly because as everyone involved with the forthcoming new FASB rule
acknowledges, you cannot stop the accounting board from a new transparency
requirement," McMahon said. "It's going to hurt." One of the largest of these multiemployer funds, Central States Funds, is in
such bad shape that UPS paid a $6.1 billion penalty to extricate itself from
employee participation in the fund. It is that type of penalty that would now be
on the books, and it could be more than the company's overall value. McMahon notes non-union companies without the multiemployer union plans have
been operating under these types of transparency rules all along. And the
participating companies have had decades to address the issue of the pension
underfunding but have not done so. Now companies and unions alike are looking for a taxpayer bailout in the lame
duck session that could garner enough support from both sides of the aisle
blanketed in the tax cut extension. The lame duck session would offer the last chance for unions and companies to
be able to place liability for their underwater pensions on the taxpayers' backs
before the new FASB rule goes into effect. Connie Hair writes daily as HUMAN EVENTS' Congressional correspondent. She is
a former speechwriter for Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) and a former media and
coalitions advisor to the Senate Republican Conference. You can follow Connie on
Twitter @ConnieHair. United States Senator - Vote for one Term: 6 years Salary: $174,000 with annual automatic COLA Democrat, Joe Sestak, Newtown Square Member of U.S. House of Representatives,
PA 7th District; first elected in 2006; 31 year military career in the U.S.
Navy, rank of three star Admiral; BS 1974, U.S. Naval Academy; MA 1980 and Ph.D.
1984, Harvard University. Supports Stimulus legislation and taxpayer bailouts,
higher spending and expansion of the Federal government,+ Cap and Trade, Card
Check, Obamacare. Record of voting for the Pelosi agenda, 95% of the time.
Because of strong links to the Obama administration was offered a position on
the administration's Advisory Board if he would not challenge Specter. Refused
to divulge details once it was evident that the offer was a criminal offense.
Endorsed by Labor Unions. Endorsed by the SEIU.**Finances for Election: Raised
$5 million+; PAC-16%; Individual-83%. Republican, Pat Toomey, Zionsville Small Businessman, Former member of the
U.S. House of Representatives, 1998 to 2004; Candidate for U.S. Senate from
Pennsylvania, 2004, President of The Club for Growth, 2005-2009. BA, Political
Philosophy, Harvard University, 1984. Supports eliminating capital gains tax,
lowering business taxes, and decreasing marginal income tax rates for all
Americans (Never voted for a tax increase and received the highest score from
Citizens Against Government Waste while in the House of Representatives);
Opposed Obamacare and proposed choice for patients, competition among healthcare
insurers, and tort reform; supports Second Amendment rights, exploration of the
outer continental shelf for oil, development of Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale,
nuclear power, alternative energy sources, and energy independence without harm
to the environment. Proposes that the Federal estate and gift tax be repealed.
Endorsed by the Eagle Form, Pro-Life Candidate. **Finances for Election: Raised
$10 million+; PAC-6%; Individual-89%. Governor of Pennsylvania - Vote for one Term: 4 years Salary: $174,194 Democrat, Dan Onorato, Pittsburgh Professional background, accountant and
lawyer; member of Pittsburgh City Council, 1992-2000; Allegheny County
Controller, 2000-2004; Allegheny County Executive, 2004-present. BS in
Accounting, Pennsylvania State University; J.D., University of Pittsburgh Law
School, 1989. Instituted the poured drink tax and the tax on rental cars in
Allegheny County. Favors a reduced state legislature, term limits, a natural gas
tax, adequate public school funding, high quality early childhood programs,
green jobs for Pennsylvania, and a new program to address flood of illegal
handguns. Has vowed to take up Rendell program to tax Marcellus Shale resources.
Teamster and Labor Union endorsements. Endorsed by the SEIU. Estimated Finances
for Election: Raised $9 million+. Republican, Tom Corbett, Shaler Currently serves as Attorney General of
Pennsylvania; has served as Assistant D.A. of Allegheny County; Captain,
National Guard, 28th Infantry Division; Teacher, Pine Grove Area HS; Assistant
U.S. Attorney, WDPA; U.S. Attorney, WPDA; Chairman PCCD; Corporate Counsel. BA
in Political Science, Lebanon Valley College, 1971; JD, St. Mary's University
School of Law, 1975. Instituted a government "clean up" by prosecuting
politicians known for abusing the power of the office; Stated he will not
balance the State budget by an overall tax increase (clarified that this does
not apply to a one issue tax for example, tolls on a highways), Favors a
transparent State government; favors eliminating WAMS, regulating legislator's
per diems, and reducing the State Fleet by 10%. Wants to remove barriers that
are crushing job creators; Supports Tort Reform, competition among healthcare
providers across state lines; developing Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale,
establishing a transportation trust fund, public/private partnerships, Schools
of Choice, and Education funding that follows the student. Endorsed by the
National Federation of Independent Businesses. Pro-Life Candidate. Estimated
finances for election: Raised $5.5 million. U.S. Congress Term: 2 years Salary: $174,000 with annual automatic COLA 3rd Congressional District - Vote for one Democrat, Kathy Dahlkemper, Erie First term Incumbent, U.S. Congressional
Representative; With husband, owns a small business; worked with the Girl Scouts
of America; Leader in Worldwide Marriage Encounter; Member of Nonprofit
Partnership, served as Director of the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park.
Supports the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus). Claims it is
working here. Wants to repeal 1099 Reporting Requirement for small businesses.
One of her goals is to create economic conditions to grow small businesses and
provide jobs. Dahlkemper voted for Obamacare. Describes herself as a concerned
citizen, not a career politician. Endorsed by the SEIU. ** Finances for
Election: Raised $1.5 million; PAC-58%; Individual-40%. Republican, Mike Kelly, Butler Currently, Owner and operator of family auto
dealership, Butler City Councilman, Chairman of Redevelopment Authority of
Butler. Board Member of : Housing Authority, The Gathering of Butler County;
Pullman Park, Quarterback Club, Moraine Trails, Council of Boy Scouts of
America, etc. Established the Golden Tornado Scholastic Fund and the Mary
McTighe Kelly Creative Teaching Grant. Serves on many boards and is a volunteer
for numerous community, educational, sports, and automotive organizations. For
his strong support of the Butler Community, received The Catholic Charities Mary
DeMucci Award and the Butler HS Distinguished Graduate Award. The Mayor of
Butler named October 26, 2001 as "Mike Kelly Day" for his dedication to his
hometown. Member of the NRA. Adamant about providing adequately for men and
women of the Armed Services and Second Amendment Rights. Undergraduate degree
from Notre Dame University, 1970. Fiscal conservative, interested in developing
a climate to grow small businesses and Pennsylvania energy sources; Supports
competition among healthcare insurers and tort reform. Signed Club For Growth
Pledge to Repeal any federal health care takeover passed in 2010, and replace it
with real reforms that lower health care costs without growing government.
Endorsed by the Eagle Forum, Pro-Life Candidate. ** Finances for election:
Raised $ half a million; PAC-3%; Individual-21%; Self-76%. 4th Congressional District - Vote for one Democrat, Jason Altmire, North Hills of Allegheny County Second term
incumbent, U.S. House of Representatives; previously spent 15 years as a
Congressional Staffer, and a hospital association executive for UPMC. Bachelor's
degree from Florida State University, Master's Degree in Health Administration
from George Washington University. Supports Stimulus legislation, increased
Federal spending and bailouts: has voted for the Pelosi agenda over 85% of the
time. At a town hall meeting, stated he would not work to repeal or defund
Obamacare. Voted for the Nuclear Option for Obamacare before the bill was
passed. (N.O. allows a simple majority to override a filibuster, rather than 60%
as required by law.) Lied to 40 people in Pittsburgh Tea Party bus group in
Washington, D.C., saying calls for and against Obamacare to his office were
split 50-50. Minutes earlier Altmire told another constituent in favor of
Obamacare the following which she wrote to her friends that "he is flooded by
phone calls from the right opposing the health care bill. He said that he is not
hearing from the people who support the bill - and he needs to hear." A study at
that time showed that 64 percent of District 4 was against Obamacare. Adamant
about using American steel for government building projects. Has voted to
support abortion. Supports adequate funding for the U.S. military. Finances for
Election: Raised $1.9 million; PAC-50%; Individual-48%. Republican, Keith Rothfus, Allegheny County Attorney working with small and
large businesses; Established and led new office of Homeland Security to assist
faith -based and community organizations in providing disaster relief after
natural disasters. J.D., Notre Dame Law School, 1990. Fiscal conservative,
supports growing the climate for small business, pledging not to invoke new
taxes for businesses and individuals. Supports second amendment rights, tort
reform, healthcare competition among insurers, individually owned healthcare
that follows the patient, adequate funding for service man and women, repeal of
Federal estate and gift taxes. Opposes Obamacare and will work to repeal or
defund it. Endorsed by the Eagle Forum, Pro-Life Candidate, Has signed the
*Federal Taxpayer's Pledge. ** Signed Club For Growth Pledge to Repeal any
federal health care takeover passed in 2010, and replace it with real reforms
that lower health care costs without growing government.Finances for Election:
Raised $ Half a million; PAC-2%; Individual-71%; Self-27%. 12th Congressional District Democrat, Mark Crtiz, Johnstown Currently, completing the remaining term of
John Murtha in U.S. Congress; Served several roles as District Director for John
Murtha Organization; Special Liaison to Flight 93 Memorial Committee and Que
Creek Mine Disaster; received "Patrick Henry Award" from the National Guard
Association. Awarded a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania
in Management Information Systems. Legislation he has sponsored since going to
the House in 2010: Bill to name a U.S. Post Office, "The George C. Marshall Post
Office," Bill to name another Post Office, "The James M. 'Jimmy' Stewart Post
Office," Bill to limit allowances, expenses, and salaries of U.S. Senators and
Representatives to 95% of 2010 levels. Endorsed by the SEIU. **Finances for
Election: Raised almost $1.5 million; PAC-49%; Individual-51%. Republican, Tim Burns, Eighty-Four Self-made small technology businessman;
since selling his business in 2003, has been active in economic development
projects in SW Pennsylvania for developing jobs; volunteers with organizations
devoted to children with special needs; Director of the "Amazing Bike Camp
Program" in 2008, teaching disabled children to ride two wheel bikes; Directs
the Burns Family Special Project, "The Rink of Dreams," a skating program for
children with special needs. BS, Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Computer
Science, grew up in Johnstown and worked at numerous part-time jobs throughout
high school and college years. Fiscal conservative who supports small business
development by removing barriers to growth. Does not favor raising business or
individual tax to fuel increased Federal spending; supports a repeal of Federal
estate and gift taxes. Opposes Obamacare. Endorsed by the Eagle Forum, Pro-Life
Candidate, Has signed the *Federal Taxpayer's Pledge. Signed Club For Growth
Pledge to Repeal any federal health care takeover passed in 2010, and replace it
with real reforms that lower health care costs without growing government.
**Finances for Election: Raised $1.5 million+; PAC-27%; Individual-59%;
Self-13%. 14th Congressional District Democrat, Mike Doyle, Forest Hills Eighth term incumbent, originally owned a
small business in Swissvale, former Chief of Staff to State Senator Frank
Percora, heads the Energy and Commerce Committee. Received a bachelor's degree
from the Pennsylvania State University in Community Development. Obtained
Federal Funds for the Doyle Center for Manufacturing Technology and the
Supercomputing Center in Monroeville; Supports a national energy policy and the
American Clean Energy and Security Act (Cap and Trade); instrumental in getting
votes to pass Obamacare by negotiating the executive order as a way to stop
abortion. To date, this compromise has not stopped federal funding of abortion.
Voted for Obamacare. Favors increased Federal spending, Stimulus legislation,
and bailouts. Has been a loyal supporter of the Pelosi agenda. Endorsed by the
Teamsters. Endorsed by the SEIU. **Finances for election: Raised: $ Half
million+; PAC-62%; Individual-37%. Republican, Melissa Haluszczak, Coraopolis Senior paralegal for the
Pittsburgh Office of Pepper Hamilton LLP, specializing in real estate issues.
Bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Paralegal Certificate from
Duquesne University's Paralegal Institute, Master's degree in Business
Administration from the University of Phoenix online University. Supports term
limits, cutting the deficit, elimination of capital gains tax, second amendment
rights, lower taxes for businesses, tort reform, tax credits for individual
purchases of healthcare insurance. Does not support the various Stimulus Bills,
bailouts and increased Federal spending; proposes that the Federal estate and
gift tax be repealed. Endorsed by the Eagle Forum and is a Pro-Life candidate
Has signed the *Federal Taxpayer's Pledge. Signed Club For Growth Pledge to
Repeal any federal health care takeover passed in 2010, and replace it with real
reforms that lower health care costs without growing government. **Finances for
Election: Raised $22,564; PAC-13%; Individual-86%. 18th Congressional District Democrat, Dan Connolly, South Park Native of Upper St. Clair; Worked at a
consulting firm in Washington D.C.; Caseworker for Interim Constituent Services
with Senate Judiciary Committee after first year of law school; BS, University
of Pittsburgh, 2006, majored in History and Political Science; JD, George
Washington University, 2009. Supports Stimulus and Bail-out legislation.
Endorsed by PA AFL-CIO, Allegheny Labor Council and National Organization of
Women (NOW). ** Finances for Election: Raised: $116,461; PAC-11%;
Individual-42%. Republican, Tim Murphy, Upper St. Clair Fourth term incumbent, formerly, a
Child Psychologist; served in the Pennsylvania State Senate, 1997-2002; Lt.
Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve Medical Service Corp working with wounded
warriors with traumatic brain injury and PTS Disorder. Received a bachelor's
degree from Wheeling Jesuit University; Masters degree, Cleveland State
University; Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh. Has supported Federally funded
infrastructure and construction projects under the Department of Transportation,
Department of Defense, and Homeland Security; supports legislation to stop China
from manipulating currency and from illegal dumping of government subsidized
steel products onto domestic markets. Supports drilling in the outer continental
shelf for oil, along with developing alternative energy sources Pennsylvania's
energy sources; opposes amnesty, favoring a comprehensive immigration plan and
secure borders. Supports reducing business taxes. Also supports Israel's right
to defend her borders and funding for American military in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Supports pro-union Card Check legislation. Co-sponsoring legislation for union
bail-outs without limits, requiring taxpayers to fund defunct union pension
funds, mismanaged or underfunded. Pro-Life Candidate.**Finances for Election:
Raised $1.3 million; PAC-57%; Individual-42%. *Federal Taxpayer's Pledge from Americans for Tax Reform headed by Grover
Norquist is a Federal taxpayer protection pledge. **Election finances taken from: www.fec.gov and www.opensecrets.org. Last
report of finances, June 30, 2010. Abbreviations: JD stands for Doctor of Jurisprudence, the basic degree
awarded to a law school graduate to become an attorney. Ph.D. stands for Doctor
of Philosophy (highest academic degree) Information for this Guide was obtained from the League of Women Voter's
Guide, Candidate Web Sites and Home Pages, Newspaper reviews, Life PAC, Eagle
Forum, Federal Election Commission, Americans for Tax Reform, Club for
Growth Specific Web sites: Below you will find a link to download a copy of the voter's guide. You will
also find a link in the side bar to the right. The voter's guide is in .PDF
format. You will need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the document. United States Senator Democrat, Joe Sestak - Endorsed by the SEIU Republican, Pat Toomey – No new
information Governor of Pennsylvania Democrat, Dan Onorato, - Endorsed by the SEIU Republican, Tom Corbett – No
new information U.S. Congress 3rd Congressional District Democrat, Kathy Dahlkemper - Voted for Obamacare. Endorsed by the SEIU
Republican, Mike Kelly - Signed Club For Growth Pledge to repeal any federal
health care takeover passed in 2010, and replace it with real reforms that lower
health care costs without growing government 4th Congressional District Democrat, Jason Altmire - Lied to 40 people in Pittsburgh Tea Party bus group
in Washington, D.C., saying calls for and against Obamacare to his office were
split 50-50. Minutes earlier Altmire told another constituent in favor of
Obamacare the following, which she wrote to her friends that "he is flooded by
phone calls from the right opposing the health care bill. He said that he is not
hearing from the people who support the bill - and he needs to hear." A study at
that time showed that 64 percent of District 4 was against Obamacare. Rep.
Altmire voted to support abortion. Republican, Keith Rothfus, - Signed Club For
Growth Pledge to Repeal any federal health care takeover passed in 2010, and
replace it with real reforms that lower health care costs without growing
government. 12th Congressional District Democrat, Mark Crtiz - In the 5 months Critz has been in Washington, he has
expanded government spending by $60 Billion dollars. Endorsed by the SEIU.
Republican, Tim Burns - Signed Club For Growth Pledge to Repeal any federal
health care takeover passed in 2010, and replace it with real reforms that lower
health care costs without growing government. 14th Congressional District Democrat, Mike Doyle - Instrumental in getting votes to pass Obamacare by
negotiating the executive order as a way to stop abortion. To date, this
compromise has not stopped federal funding of abortion. Voted for Obamacare.
Endorsed by the SEIU Democrat, Mike Doyle - Instrumental in getting votes to
pass Obamacare by negotiating the executive order as a way to stop abortion. To
date, this compromise has not stopped federal funding of abortion. Voted for
Obamacare. Endorsed by the SEIU Dear Pittsburgh Tea Partier, Want to get some exercise, make new friends and help the tea party movement?
The weather forecast for tomorrow is perfect: 75 degrees, pleasant with bright
sunshine!! Would you like to participate in Saturday morning neighborhood walks to get
out the vote? Colm Willis from American Majority will be holding neighborhood
walks in District 4 every Saturday until the election. If you are available to
help, meet at the local grassroots headquarters, the Pennsylvania Liberty
Headquarters, at 12703 Perry Highway, the Westmont Building, Suite B, Wexford
15090, at 10:00 a.m. The group will cover as many neighborhoods as possible. Please consider helping in at least one of the walks the next four weekends.
If you have questions, Colm can be reached at 724-996-4693. The Liberty Headquarters is in a one story brick building on the west side of
Perry Highway, north of North Way Christian Community Church. If you are heading
north on Perry Highway, you will have to go all the way to Bradford
Road/Bradford Drive (Atria's) and make a U-turn at that intersection. Once you
have made the U-turn, the office is located just after Fox Lane. The office is
not well marked and the building has large shrubs out front. For a map to the
Liberty Headquarters, click here. We cannot afford to lose this election. Keep up the good work!! God bless you. Sincerely, Patti Weaver Pittsburgh Tea Party Movement Dear Pittsburgh Tea Partier, Beginning September 28th, the Pittsburgh Tea Party Movement will host weekly
Wednesday night phone banking to our targeted swing voters. We will be calling
from our Liberty Center in Wexford from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please come for
as long as you are available. While the center has phones and computers for our
use, bring a charged cell phone and a laptop, if you have one, as we hope to
pack the house! The Pennsylvania Liberty Headquarters is located at 12703 Perry Highway, The
Westmont Building, Suite B, Wexford, PA 15090. It is located on the same side of
the street as North Way Christian Community Center just a few buildings north of
the church. Pizza, salad, and soft drinks will be served free of charge. Please sign up
here if you will be attending and indicate if you plan to have dinner with
us. To sign up for call on September 29th, click here. To sign up for call on October 6th, click here. To sign up for call on October 13th, click here. To sign up for call on October 20th, click here. To sign up for call on October 27th, click here. If you are unavailable on Wednesdays, you are welcome to come into the center
anytime for calls. The Headquarter's hours are: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through
Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. If you need further information, please
call American Majority Action's Colm Willis at 724-996-4693. Sincerely, Patti Weaver Pittsburgh Tea Party Movement Pittsburgh Tea Partiers, Here is a website you might want to see: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE John Bolton Partners with Nationwide Tea Party Coalition To Launch "Election
Day Tea Party" September 20, 2010 (Nashville, TN) - The Nationwide Tea Party Coalition, in
partnership with former United States Ambassador to the UN John Bolton, has
launched the Election Day Tea Party, a project to raise awareness and
participation in the 2010 mid-term elections this November 2. "I joined the Election Day Tea Party project because - perhaps more than at
any other in my lifetime - the results of this election cycle will determine the
future of the United States as the leader of the Free World," said Ambassador
John Bolton. "Election Day Tea Party is a great way for people to become
involved in a substantial, productive way, no matter where you are in the
country." The project's website, ElectionDayTeaParty.com identifies the 50 contests for seats
in the House of Representatives where an individual's efforts can help the
challengers win their elections on November 2, 2010. The seats in all 50 of
these races are currently held by members of Congress who have supported the
Obama-Pelosi agenda. "Tea Party activists from across America came together to select this list of
races, all of which are 'on the bubble,'" said Alice Linahan, a co-organizer of
the project. "Our selection criteria are very different from the lists put out
by the usual suspects like Dick Morris, Rothenberg, and the Cook Report." "We identified races that were winnable, where the challenger's message was
consistent with the core values of the Tea Party movement, and where the energy
of individual grassroots activists is likely to have the most impact," said
Michael Patrick Leahy, co-founder of the Nationwide Tea Party Coalition and
project co-organizer. The site is designed to give every American who wants to oppose the Left's
progressive agenda a way to channel their support directly to candidates in
need. "ElectionDayTeaParty.com answers the question we hear most often from Tea
Party activists around the country: 'What can I do?'" said project co-organizer
Lorie Medina. Medina added, "By adopting one - or all - of these 50 challengers, volunteers
from anywhere in the country can help. For instance, people can make phone calls
for their candidate of choice, donate directly to them, or travel to the
district to help with get-out-the-vote efforts." Co-organizer Christina Botteri said, "We focus on these 50 races in the House
of Representatives for one simple reason: by gaining the majority in the House
we can begin, in earnest, the process of returning our country to her founding
principles of supporting fiscal responsibility, free markets, and constitutional
adherence." ElectionDayTeaParty.com represents yet another organizational
and technological innovation in the Tea Party movement's decentralized approach
to political engagement. About John Bolton: Probably best known as the US Ambassador to the UN, Mr.
Bolton is currently a FOXNews contributor and senior fellow at the American
Enterprise Institute. About the Nationwide Tea Party Coalition: The Nationwide Tea Party Coalition
is an informal federation of thirty local tea parties from around the country
who work collaboratively on national projects. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Declaration of Tea
Party Independence. You can download the Declaration by clicking on the below
link. Please note the attached document is in .PDF format.
Tea Party friends, read this article about what the Democrats are trying to
do with your hard-earned savings . . . steal all of it for their union friends
who vote them in. . . . Pennsylvania's Senator Bob Casey is behind this scheme.
You may email him here. You may call Casey's office at 202-224-6324 or
412-803-7370.
New Lame Duck Threat to Bailout Union Pensions
Pittsburgh Tea Party Voter's Guide
Pittsburgh Tea Party Addendum to Voter's Guide
SEIU endorsement is shorthand for "Candidate does not support tea party
values of free markets, constitutionally limited government, fiscal
responsibility."
Neighborhood Walks to Get Out The Vote
Phone Calling on Wednesday at Pennsylvania Liberty Headquarters
Election Day Tea Party
Declaration of Tea Party Independence
VOTER'S GUIDE
Below is a link to the voter's guide in .PDF format. You can save a copy by right clicking on the link below and selecting "Save Target As..".
Contact
You can reach us by e-mailing us at pittsburghteaparty@gmail.com.
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