In PA-17: Tim Holden(D) *Blue Dog Conservative, who is attacked as being a Democrat in Name only from the left, and a Conservative in name only from the right, is in his most exciting re-election of his career.
Holden has voted twice against the Obama-care healthcare vote, his reasoning was that he would not vote for any bill that could possibly support abortions. This middle talk was great for Conservative “Pro-lifers” in Central PA, however it wasn’t conservative enough for many republicans, and was too damaging for the Liberal bass of the Democratic Base who has set a Liberal Challenger Sheila Dow-Ford to face Holden in the Republican leaning district. Since splitting with the Democratic party over Healthcare, the AFL-CIO has stripped Holden of endorsement and has endorsed Dow-Ford.
- The Establishment in PA politics has Dave Argall as the Republican Nominee who could challenge Holden for his hot seat come November. Argall has quickly jumped from PA congress to PA Senate after the death of Sen. Rhoades, who had served our region with great pride and respect. He has the backing of the State GOP as well as positive news coverage, as active State Rep he has the largest on ground team across the district. His signs can be seen scattered across the entire district.
However, 3 candidates have all surged throughout PA17. However with the backing Argall of the media, and the state GOP, the counties in the district so far have opted out of endorsing any candidate over the other.
- Frank Ryan, is a retired Marian Corp and small businessman, who ran in the republican primary in 2004 for the seat, talking about fiscal responsibility prior to the economic turmoil. He has the country areas of Schuylkill country wall papered with his yard signs. He has a great Historic and political understanding of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
- Allen Griffith, is a retired minister who is fighting for the foundational principles of Country. He focuses on state rights, and small federal government. He believes our Federal role is to protect its citizens, not to simply provide.
- Josh First, is a Washington businessman who is the President and CEO of Appalachian Land & Conservation Services Co. He is focusing on the farmland and cultural aspect of central PA.
Tim Holden has a huge advantage in this district when compared with other Democrats, He is conservative, and he lives in Schuylkill County which is one of the larger counties which is fully intake, which is a major chuck of PA-17. Although he has a democratic primary opponent from Harrisburg, He is favored to advance to the general ticket for his 5th run in the 17th district (and 10th term as PA congressman)
However all of his opponents want to know one thing: Tim Holden voted in favor of term limits for a max of 3 terms in congress, so why is it that he is running for his 10th term?
Tim Holden for Democratic nomination
“I here want to make the endorsement: If you are a Democrat or Independent democratic voter: I feel as if Tim Holden the Blue Dog democrat represent major parts of PA17 better than his Democratic primary opponent Dow-Ford. Although Holden is not a perfect match for the Republican leaning district, he has strong mural beliefs against abortion.”
In my next post I will be reviewing the Republican candidates once more over before making my final Republican Nomination for the PA17 district. In approximately 3 weeks I will be making my Formal General Election endorsement for the Congressional race.
