Democrat Dan McCaffery wins open seat on Pennsylvania Supreme Court

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrat Dan McCaffery won an open seat on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court in Tuesday’s general election, preserving a strong Democratic majority on a panel that has produced several critical election-related rulings in the presidential battleground state.

The seven-member bench, which will be made up five Democrats and two Republicans, is also at the center of cases on guns and abortion rights — which had a prominent role in the campaign.

Democrat Timika Lane wins court seat, as Pennsylvania Democrats sweep 4 statewide judicial races

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrat Timika Lane won a seat on a statewide appellate court in Pennsylvania, giving Democrats a sweep of four statewide judicial races in Tuesday’s election, including an open seat on the state’s highest court.

Vote-counting continued into Wednesday and put Lane, a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge, over the top in her race for a seat on the state Superior Court.

Pa. Commonwealth Court election results: Democrat Matt Wolf beats Republican Megan Martin

HARRISBURG — Democrat Matt Wolf, a Philadelphia municipal judge, will fill an open seat on Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court.

The Associated Press called the race at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Unofficial results show Wolf with 53% of the vote and Republican Megan Martin, a former legislative official, with 47%.

Election results out in county commissioner, school board and other races across central PA

These are unofficial election results.

Centre County

In the race for Centre County Commissioner, Democrats Mark Higgins and Amber Concepcion and Republican Steve Dershem have been reelected.

There were a few competitive Centre County row offices. Democratic incumbent Jason Moser has been reelected as Controller. Democrat Colleen Kennedy holds on to her Treasurer position. And in a very close Recorder of Deeds race, Republican incumbent Joseph Davidson currently holds a 127 vote lead over Robert Zeigler.

For the State College Area School District Board of Directors, all five Democratic “Slate for State” candidates have been elected by numbers about double their Republican competitors’. Amy Bader and Gretchen Brandt will return to the board, along with newcomers Anne Demo, Dan Kolbe and Aaron Miller.

Pa. election 2023: New interactive tool illustrates why judges matter and how they shape policy in our state

HARRISBURG — Elections for seats on Pennsylvania’s highest courts tend to lack the urgency of other races, as those courts seem to operate far from our everyday lives, especially when compared to the work of local and state officials.

But judges in these positions hold an immense amount of power, and make decisions that profoundly impact some of the most pressing and hot-button issues of our time, including abortion, civil liberties, education, voting and elections, and the environment.

That’s why Spotlight PA is launching a new voter tool ahead of this November’s judicial contests to illustrate how the courts in recent years have affected the policies you care about most.

Pa. election 2023: Everything you need to know about requesting, filling out, and returning your mail ballot

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s 2023 election will give voters the chance to pick a new slate of judges across several statewide courts.

On Nov. 7, voters will elect a new state Supreme Court justice, as well as new judges to sit on Commonwealth and Superior Courts. They will also decide whether two appellate judges on Superior Court should get another term.

Across the state, some residents will also vote in municipal races for offices like mayor and school board, and answer ballot questions.

Pa. election 2023: A complete guide to who is on the ballot, when to vote, how to vote, where to vote, casting mail ballots & more

HARRISBURG — On Nov. 7, Pennsylvanians will cast their vote for a new state Supreme Court justice, as well as for new judges to sit on Commonwealth and Superior Courts. Voters will also decide whether two appellate judges on Superior Court should get another term.

Across the state, depending on where you live, there might also be municipal races on the ballot, for offices like mayor and school board, along with ballot questions.

To help you prepare for Election Day 2023 in Pennsylvania, we’ve answered some of your most frequently asked questions below…

Pa. election 2023: What to know about the judicial retention questions on the November ballot

HARRISBURG — Near the bottom of this year’s general election ballot, Pennsylvania voters will be asked simple questions with long-term consequences.

Depending on where they live, voters will decide whether at least two state judges should “be retained for an additional term” of 10 years.

All state judges — from those who preside over municipal courts to the justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court — initially run in partisan races. Once elected, the judges on Pennsylvania’s powerful appellate and Common Pleas courts serve 10-year terms — often holding their seats for decades with little notice.

One man’s spending is dominating Pa. judicial races. Who is he, and why is this election important?

HARRISBURG — A political group almost entirely funded by Pennsylvania’s richest resident has contributed one out of every three dollars raised this year by candidates running in critical statewide judicial races.

The group, Commonwealth Leaders Fund, has spent over $2.7 million, the vast majority to support just one candidate: Montgomery County judge Carolyn Carluccio, a Republican running for a seat on the state Supreme Court.

The position comes with great power. In recent years, the high court threw out the state’s congressional map for being overtly partisan, allowed a lawsuit challenging the state’s education funding system to go to trial, and upheld the state’s mail voting law.

Pa. Supreme Court 101: What it is, why it matters, and more

At a quick glance: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is made up of 7 justices. Currently, there are 4 Democrats and 2 Republicans that serve on the court. There is 1 vacancy before voters in the November 2023 election. To qualify for a seat on the court, candidates must have state residency for at least one year and reside in the commonwealth throughout the duration of their term. They must be at least 21 years of age, but not older than 75. They also have to be a member of the Bar of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and licensed to practice law in the state.

Pa. Superior Court 101: What it is, why it matters, and more

At a quick glance: Superior Court is made up of 15 judges. Currently, there are 7 Democrats and 7 Republicans that serve on the court. There are 2 vacancies before voters in the November 2023 election. To qualify for a seat on the court, candidates must have state residency for at least one year and reside in the commonwealth throughout the duration of their term. They must be at least 21 years of age, but not older than 75. They also have to be a member of the Bar of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and licensed to practice law in the state.

Pa. Commonwealth Court 101: What it is, why it matters, and more

At a quick glance: Commonwealth Court is made up of 9 judges. Currently, there are 3 Democrats and 5 Republicans that serve on the court. There is 1 vacancy before voters in the November 2023 election. To qualify for a seat on the court, candidates must have state residency for at least one year and reside in the commonwealth throughout the duration of their term. They must be at least 21 years of age, but not older than 75. They also have to be a member of the Bar of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and licensed to practice law in the state.

Expanded voter ID is back on the table in Pennsylvania

This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. This article is available for reprint under the terms of Votebeat’s republishing policy.

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania lawmakers are once again considering expanding the state’s voter ID requirements, this time as part of a larger proposal to change the date of the 2024 presidential primary.

The Democratic-controlled state House is expected to consider a Republican-authored amendment this week that would require voters to show proof of identification every time they cast a ballot in person. Currently, state law requires voters to show proof of identification the first time they vote at a polling place.

Democracy Works: Understanding union voters

In the heyday of American labor, the influence of local unions extended far beyond the workplace. Unions were embedded in tight-knit communities, touching nearly every aspect of the lives of members—mostly men—and their families and neighbors. They conveyed fundamental worldviews, making blue-collar unionists into loyal Democrats who saw the party as on the side of the working man.

Today, unions play a much less significant role in American life. In industrial and formerly industrial Rust Belt towns, Republican-leaning groups and outlooks have burgeoned among the kinds of voters who once would have been part of union communities. This episode explores why that’s happened and whether new unions coming online at places like Starbucks may change the picture moving forward.

Pennsylvania’s 2024 presidential primary date unlikely to change due to legislative impasse

The effort to move Pennsylvania’s 2024 presidential primary date appears to be dead due to a legislative impasse, leaving the commonwealth as the only state with an April 23 election that conflicts with Passover.

In separate statements Thursday, state Senate leadership said the matter was “closed” and state House leadership called it “unresolvable.”

Automatic voter registration in Pa. draws GOP lawsuit threats, but little action

Republicans at the state and national level are still crying foul over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s announcement last month that the state had adopted automatic voter registration at motor vehicle offices.

Conservatives are questioning not only the security and motives of the program, but also Shapiro’s authority to unilaterally make such a change without the legislature.

An earlier Presidential primary could be coming to Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s 2024 presidential primary is scheduled to take place April 23, but state Rep. Scott Conklin, who is majority chairman of the State Government Committee, said the committee is looking to move that earlier in the month.

Conklin said the committee will likely discuss the various dates being proposed on Oct. 3, with a goal of moving the legislation out of committee quickly. A bill from the House would change the primary to April 2. Another bill from the state Senate would move the presidential primary to the third Tuesday in March. But that, Conklin said, would push the date when candidates begin collecting petitions to get on the ballot to the day after Christmas.

Judge tells Pa. county to accept in-person votes from residents whose flawed mail ballots were rejected

This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. This article is available for reprint under the terms of Votebeat’s republishing policy.

A judge has told Delaware County to count ballots cast in person by voters whose mail ballots were rejected during the primary, a ruling the county, even though it lost the case, says it welcomes.

Following the May 16 primary, Delaware County’s Board of Elections decided not to accept provisional ballots cast in person by voters who had already been told their mail ballots were rejected due to technical defects. That means that these voters were twice rejected, after trying to remedy their mail ballot mistake by voting provisionally at their nearby polling places, and ultimately were disenfranchised.

Five former Pa. governors want to allow independents to vote in partisan primaries

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s five most recent former governors have collectively announced their support for open primaries, adding new fuel to a long-smoldering debate over whether the commonwealth should allow unaffiliated voters to help choose partisan candidates.

In a letter published Monday, Govs. Tom Corbett, Ed Rendell, Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker, and Tom Wolf wrote that they, “pledged to govern on behalf of all Pennsylvanians,” and argued that primary elections are now decided by fewer, more extreme voters. The letter goes on to assert that opening primaries would help tamp down extremism and polarization.

Democrats retain narrow control of Pennsylvania House after special election

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrats will retain their one-vote majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after voters in Pittsburgh on Tuesday elected former congressional aide Lindsay Powell.

Powell’s victory gives Democrats a 102-101 majority in the House. Republicans have a 28-22 majority in the Senate, creating a divided Legislature that has kept Democrats from passing priorities such as broadened protections for LGBTQ+ people and gun control measures and Republicans from wins on issues including school vouchers.

Pa.’s Election Code is badly outdated. That could have serious consequences in 2024

HARRISBURG — On a rainy June Thursday, Pennsylvania lawmakers gathered in Harrisburg as the governor signed off on a complete revamp of the law that regulates elections.

One new rule the legislature had landed on: the need to have lanterns, or a proper substitute, in polling places.

The year was 1937, when electric lights were only in roughly two of every three American homes, and power was just starting to make its way to rural Pennsylvania.

Today, that rule is still on the books.

Pa. election 2023: A complete guide to the candidates for Commonwealth and Superior Courts

On Nov. 7, Pennsylvanians will select a new judge for Commonwealth Court and two for Superior Court — and all of these new judges will immediately wield the power to referee legal disputes over state law and decide major criminal cases.

Pa. election 2023: A complete guide to the candidates for state Supreme Court

During Pennsylvania’s general election on Nov. 7, voters will select the newest state Supreme Court justice.

The winner of the election — Democrat Daniel McCaffery or Republican Carolyn Carluccio — will have considerable power over the interpretation of laws in the commonwealth, and will help determine the balance of the court in coming years.

Democracy Works: ‘Democracy 2024’ on the debate stage

The Democracy Works team (Michael Berkman, Chris Beem, Candis Watts Smith and Jenna Spinelle) are back from summer break and diving into the 2024 election season, Donald Trump’s indictments, the spread of election deniers and more.

This episode also explores significance of “Democracy 2024” as the backdrop for the first Republican presidential debate on August 23.

When do polls open in Pa.? All the information you need for the 2023 primary election.

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s 2023 primary election is here.

Voters are heading to the polls to cast their ballots for statewide judicial seats, local positions such as school board member, and two special state House races. Election officials across the commonwealth are also counting the mail ballots that have been coming in for weeks.

The winners of these primary elections will face off in the Nov. 7 general election.

League of Women Voters Pennsylvania Primary Election Guide 2023

See voting and candidate information compiled by the League of Women Voters.

VOTE411 is committed to ensuring voters have the information they need to successfully participate in every election. Whether it’s local, state or federal, every election is important to ensuring our laws and policies reflect the values and beliefs of our communities.

Other resources:

Spotlight PA: A complete guide to Pa. primary Election Day 2023…
StateCollege.com: Election Guide

Pa. primary election 2023: A complete guide to the candidates for state Supreme Court

HARRISBURG — During Pennsylvania’s primary election in May, Democrats and Republicans will choose their parties’ nominees to fill a seat on the state Supreme Court.

Pennsylvania elects its Supreme Court justices in statewide partisan contests. The winners of the May 16 primary will compete during the Nov. 7 general election.

Here are the results in Georgia’s Senate runoff election

Georgia’s U.S. Senate election is in extra time.

Neither Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock nor his scandal-plagued Republican challenger, Herschel Walker, received at least 50% of the vote in the general election, meaning the two are in a runoff.

See Pennsylvania General Assembly Results Here

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is headed to the U.S. Senate following a campaign full of personal health debates and a fight for control of one of the nation’s battleground states. He defeated Trump-endorsed celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz.

The Senate seat was vacated by retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey, creating the first open Senate seat in Pennsylvania in a dozen years. Fetterman’s victory helps the Democrats as they look to secure bigger margins on Capitol Hill.

Democrat Josh Shapiro wins Pennsylvania governor’s race

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrat Josh Shapiro won the race for governor of Pennsylvania, securing the office for four years in a state where the future of abortion rights is on the line, along with management of the 2024 election in a battleground that is often decisive in choosing presidents.

Shapiro, the state’s two-term elected attorney general, ran to the middle on several key issues and smashed Pennsylvania’s campaign finance record in a powerhouse campaign, swamping Republican Doug Mastriano in a deluge of TV ads.

View live election results for key contests in Pennsylvania.

A reminder about election results

Election results often require patience. Recent years have seen a rise in mail voting, and states have different procedures for how ballots are processed and tallied. Keep in mind that it’s not necessarily a sign of trouble if results are not immediately available.

Pennsylvania likely provides Democrats with their best opportunity to pick up a U.S. Senate seat, after Sen. Pat Toomey announced he wasn’t running for reelection. Democratic nominee John Fetterman, the state’s lieutenant governor, faces off against celebrity TV doctor Mehmet Oz in a race that’s been bitterly fought. Fetterman suffered a stroke in the last days of the primary.

Elections official says Centre County drop boxes will close Monday at 9 a.m. to aid non-stop counting

Pennsylvania counties that accepted Election Integrity Grant Program funding from the state under Act 88 have to follow some new guidelines on how they run this election. WPSU’s Emily Reddy talked with Michael Pipe, a Centre County commissioner and the elections board vice-chair, about what changes counties will have to make.

The big one: Counties that took the money are required to count mail-in ballots without stopping until they’re done. That’s led Centre County to change the time when drop boxes close from 8 p.m. on Election Day to Monday at 9 a.m., so they can start working through those ballots earlier.

Here’s the interview with Michael Pipe:

Democrats Shapiro and Fetterman hold “Get Out the Vote” rally at Penn State

With Election Day less than a week away, candidates are making their final pushes to get voters to the polls.

John Fetterman, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, joined Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro on Old Main Lawn Wednesday night as part of Shapiro’s “Get Out the Vote” bus tour across Pennsylvania.

Fetterman told the crowd about his stance on issues like abortion rights and filibustering. He also mentioned his recent stroke, but said he’d be able to do the job of Senator.

“I got knocked down and I got back up. Everyone that ever got knocked down in Pennsylvania that ever had to get back up, every forgotten community all across Pennsylvania that got knocked down has to be built back up. In January I know I’m gonna feel even better and [Oz] will still be a fraud,” Fetterman said.

Doug Mastriano rallies supporters in Centre County a week before the election

Ticking off a list of what he would do on “Day 1” if elected, Doug Mastriano, the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania governor, told supporters at a rally in Centre County Tuesday night he will be “unmasking” children, cutting state regulations and putting parents in charge of their children’s education.

Meet the candidates: Justin Behrens, the Republican running for the state House in the 82nd district

Seats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are on the ballot in the 2022 election, including the new 82nddistrict. Created as part of Pennsylvania’s redistricting, the 82nd runs through the middle of Centre County, from Harris Township in the South to Burnside Township in the North. WPSU’s Anne Danahy spoke with both the Democratic candidate Paul Takac and Republican candidate Justin Behrens, in an election that’s seen as competitive. Here is her interview with Behrens.

Meet the candidates: Paul Takac, the Democrat running for the state House in the new 82nd district

Seats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are on the ballot in the 2022 election, including the new 82nddistrict. Created as part of Pennsylvania’s redistricting, the 82nd runs through the middle of Centre County, from Harris Township in the South to Burnside Township in the North. WPSU’s Anne Danahy spoke with both the Republican and Democratic candidates running for the seat, in an election that’s seen as competitive. Here is her interview with Democrat Paul Takac.

Why are undated mail ballots such a big deal in Pennsylvania?

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court is expected to soon rule on a case that could decide whether undated mail ballots can be counted in the quickly approaching Nov. 8 election.

The case comes after years of highly partisan litigation that yielded no firm legal consensus on how counties should treat the ballots.

Under state law, a person who casts a mail ballot must sign and date a declaration on the outer envelope. Undated ballots have missing or incorrect dates, but are otherwise turned in on time to county election offices and are eligible to be counted.

Ahead of Election Day, U.S. agencies warn of potential attacks by extremists

U.S. security agencies have issued a heightened threat advisory, warning of a potential attacks on political candidates, election officials and others. The alert came Friday, the same day that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband was attacked in their San Francisco home.

NPR has obtained the bulletin issued by the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the National Counterterrorism Center, and the U.S. Capitol Police.

John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz finally debated in the Pa. U.S. Senate race. Here’s how they tackled the issues.

In their lone debate before polls close on Nov. 8, Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate candidates were grilled Tuesday night about where they stand on key issues.

As Republican Mehmet Oz and Democrat John Fetterman have relentlessly attacked each other in ads over the last few months, voters said the broadsides gave them much to work with. Tuesday’s showdown was the first and only time voters got to see the hopefuls debate their plans in real time. At the same time, the Department of State reports around 640,000 voters have already cast a ballot in the race.

Watch the Fetterman-Oz U.S. Senate debate

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP/WHTM) — More than five months after experiencing a stroke, Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman struggled at times to explain his positions and often spoke haltingly throughout a highly anticipated debate Tuesday in the ABC27 studios against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz as they vie for a critical Senate seat.

In the opening minutes of the debate, Fetterman addressed what he called the “elephant in the room.”

“I had a stroke. He’s never let me forget that,” Fetterman said of Oz, who has persistently questioned his ability to serve in the Senate. “And I might miss some words during this debate, mush two words together, but it knocked me down and I’m going to keep coming back up.”

When pressed to release his medical records later in the debate, he refused to commit.

Pennsylvania Senate Debate TONIGHT 8PM on WPSU-FM

Tuesday night, October 25 at 8:00, WPSU-FM will bring you the one and only scheduled debate in the Pennsylvania Senate race.

Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz will meet at WHTM in Harrisburg for the debate. Listen live, Tuesday night on WPSU-FM.

You can still get a mail-in ballot! November 1 is the dealine.

Remember these deadlines:

November 1, 2022 at 5 p.m. – APPLICATIONS for a mail-in or absentee ballot must be received by your county election board.
November 8, 2022 at 8 p.m. – VOTED BALLOTS must be RECEIVED by your county election office – postmarks are not enough.

For mail-in ballet information click here.

Pa. election 2022: A basic guide to vetting candidates for U.S. Senate, governor, and more

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters.

HARRISBURG — All eyes will be on Pennsylvania this November election as a number of contentious races on the ballot will determine the state’s political future.

In the race for governor, voters will pick between Democrat Josh Shapiro, the state’s attorney general; Republican Doug Mastriano, a state senator; and a handful of third-party candidates.

In the U.S. Senate, where Democrats’ slim margin hangs in the balance, voters here could determine which party controls the chamber in 2023. Representing them will be either Democrat John Fetterman, the current lieutenant governor, or Republican Mehmet Oz, a retired surgeon and TV personality.

As polls tighten, Fetterman announces historic fundraising, calls on friends for support

As poll results have tightened in the race for the U.S. Senate, Democrat John Fetterman’s campaign has tried to turn the attack back on his opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz. On Thursday, it also brought reinforcements in the form of Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey and Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown to stump for Fetterman in Western Pennsylvania.

Pa. election 2022: There will be no constitutional amendments on the Nov. 8 ballot, but big ones are looming

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania voters will not see any proposed constitutional amendments on this year’s November ballot, but that is almost certain to change when the state legislature opens its new two-year session in January.

Daniel Wassmer, Keystone Party, Candidate for US Senate

Candidate Profile: https://vote.wpsu.org/candidates/286/

WPSU Vote 2022 Issues Questionnaire

What is your position on abortion policy?

I am pro-choice. A woman has the right to make her healthcare decision with her doctor. I believe this to be one of the rights guaranteed by the 9th Amendment which specifically states that: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. If we erode any rights we actually start down the slippery slope of opening others to erosion which can then be adjusted politically at a whim.

What is your position on voting administration? (ex: mail-in ballots, drop boxes, voter ID, etc.)

I would allow full access to voting by any means possible. Coupled with this we must acknowledge that individuals on the ballot were placed there pursuant to the first amendment protections guaranteed in the constitution. The chilling of third party access by the duopoly party actually shows their arrogance in failing to guarantee the rights of people with dissenting opinions. Sadly the press plays a great role in perpetuating this by ignoring other candidates on the ballot. I welcome the fact that you have offered this opportunity to actually explore the views of the individuals I represent.

What is your position on gun ownership policy?

I am a second amendment advocate. With that being said I thought the insane conduct I witnessed on January 6th and its predicate conduct that far too many people in this country hero worship politicians. We have seen time and again such situations resulting in the type of violent behavior that occurred on that day in January. While I distain violence I also believe that individuals have a right to protection. Although not asked here I am also a huge advocate for mental health and other healthcare issues. I wish we would take all of the money we spend on government studies related to guns and actually plow that into mental health as well as healthcare. We would save far more people in this country by acting in a forward thinking, pragmatic manner.

What is your position on immigration policy?

I am an open borders advocate for a multiple number of reasons which no other candidates address. First off the US is virtually the same size as China yet China has 4 to 5 times our population. In my world immigration should be encouraged not discouraged if we really wish to compete with China. Secondly, immigrants would actually make up shortfalls in Social Security based upon our declining birth rate. Thirdly ending the war on drugs a failed 51 year plus disaster and reallocating those resources to healthcare as well as mental health actually reduced crime and addiction in Portugal. Doing this would actually slow immigration (due to homeland violence) as well as put drug cartels out of business. If done in conjunction with major changes which the duopoly fails to address we would have substantial beneficial changes. Note the greatest leaps forward in this country occurred when we had an open doors policy. We should do this again instead of forcing every would be immigrant to obtain legal representation to legally remain here – a concept I find absurd.

What are your positions on economic policy and job creation (ex: inflation reduction, taxes, regulations, etc.)?

We currently have 2 job openings for every would be employee. This is highly inflationary since it drives up the cost of labor to compete. Even though wages rise vs inflation it often amounts to a real loss. Accordingly we should allow greater immigration as opposed to less immigration. I also support companies like Tesla (which is actually an off grid power company) in their efforts to move us to free market energy options. As a free marketer I believe that we are over-regulated often to a detriment. Our tax structure needs to be revamped and how we finance things need to be changed. These are all interrelated issues which are way to lengthy to discuss at length here however no other politicians are taking this approach. Electing an independent senator in PA would afford substantial benefits to both the state and the federal government since I would rationally tackle these issues!

What is your position on climate change and environmental policy?

I would like to see a national dialogue on this issue. Even I a former environmental science major have questions. For some background this issue was initially raised in 1980 in a report called the Global 2000 report. It wasn’t until 1988 that it became a hit button political issue. Candidly I have followed what has been advertised as science on this issue and I have a lot of unanswered questions. A National sit down discussion without the normal bi-polar screaming match DC generally engages in would be a good honest first step. As someone who is unaligned and willing to change my views when presented accurate evidence think of how beneficial an open minded individual would be to protect our environment.

What is your position on criminal justice reform?

One of my biggest agenda items. I ran for the PA Attorney General in 2020 discussing this issue. At a minimum we need to 1) end qualified immunity 2) have law enforcement officers independently obtain insurance (instead of making bad policing a government expense) and 3) permit unions to underwrite these policies! This is a win, win for everyone but bad cops who would be removed from law enforcement if they couldn’t obtain insurance. As a former FOP lawyer who was involved with representing police engaged in improper conduct I can tell you seeing bad cops actually makes the job of good “peace officers” more difficult. Lastly, we need to recognize that every response doesn’t need a police officer. Some issues are mental health issues and we need to create a national call system to allow immediate response in such manners.

What is your position on LGBTQ rights? (ex: marriage, adoption, sports participation)

LGBTQ individuals are all of my brothers and sisters also! Everyone should be treated equally and fairly. I was interested in Katlin Jenner’s position on sports participation but would like to see what becomes of this with the NCAA before it becomes a legislative issue. I hope that they adequately address this because I believe it can be dealt with reasonably and intelligently. Candidly I have a boat load of friends in that community and any attack on them I consider an attack as if it were perpetrated on my own family.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Look to my website and feel free to contact me if you have any more issues. I am a listener and a representative voice. My purpose is not to inflame fires but find pragmatic solutions forward. Give you neighbors a hug instead of shaking a fist at them all the time over political issues. Lastly please, please, please stop hero worshiping politicians! It is one of the most outrageous things I have seen and we all have the ability to be kind! Thank you!

With a key race too close to call, here are 4 takeaways from Tuesday’s primaries

Five states held primary elections Tuesday.

They once again tested former President Donald Trump’s influence on the Republican side — with mixed results; President Biden looks to have suffered a loss with one of his endorsements; a key U.S. Senate race is too close to call; and a controversial congressman lost his bid for reelection.

The results are in — well, most of them. Here’s some of what they tell us:
1. Waiting on Pennsylvania

The headliner state was Pennsylvania, and especially the key Senate race there. In the GOP primary, Mehmet Oz — that’s celebrity TV doctor Dr. Oz — was pitted against David McCormick, a former hedge fund head who spent millions of his own money in the race, and conservative commentator Kathy Barnette.

Austin Davis and Carrie DelRosso will face off in the Pa. lieutenant governor’s race this fall

Two Pittsburgh-area candidates will face off in the lieutenant governor’s race this fall.

State Reps. Austin Davis, a Democrat from McKeesport, and Carrie DelRosso, a Republican from Oakmont, won their respective primaries Tuesday night.

Doug Mastriano wins GOP nomination for Pennsylvania governor

Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano has emerged as the winner from a crowded Republican primary for governor, according to a race call from The Associated Press.

A retired Army colonel, Mastriano has risen to prominence espousing far-right views directly to a homegrown network of online supporters. He’s also known for his support of a lie that widespread election fraud led to former President Donald Trump’s loss in 2020. For that, Mastriano received Trump’s endorsement.