Williamsport Sun-Gazette
The annual Lincoln Day Dinner brought a call for Lycoming County Republicans to unite this year and elect as many members of their party to state and federal offices as possible.
State Secretary of Revenue Dan Meuser told a roomful of people at the Holiday Inn, Williamsport that the “tax-and-spend” polices of the Obama Administration are driving the country further into debt.
Meuser, who served as the night keynote speaker, said the Democratic President’s plan of spending and attacking the rich mimics that of Fidel Castro.
“Truly, the stakes have never been higher,” he said of this year’s election.
A number of candidates offered remarks that did not stray from the party line of fiscal conservatism and ending Obama’s years in the White House.
“We cannot afford another year of Barack Obama,” said Williamsport Mayor Gabriel J. Campana.
Campana spoke on behalf of U.S. Rep. Thomas Marino, R-Cogan Station, who is seeking reelection of the 10th Congressional seat, but was unable to attend the banquet.
He said Marino shares the values of the 10th District and supports smaller government, low taxes and pro-life policies.
U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Howard, noted the current spending problems in Washington.
He called this election year a defining one.
He credited the Republican-controlled House with passing numerous jobs bills and eliminating waste.
The lawmaker briefly talked about Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum, noting that the former U.S. Senator earned the Iowa caucuses rather than spending money to claim them.
“I’m proud a Pennsylvania boy is running for president,” he said.
State Sen. E. Eugene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, called for electing a Republican to the 83rd state House seat held by Democrat Rick Mirabito.
He noted that all surrounding House seats in the region are held by Republicans.
The 83rd is the one black sheep,” he said. “I don’t want a black sheep in my crowd.”
State Rep. Garth Everett, R-Muncy, said Republicans need to elect more members of their party, especially those who reflect the needs of rural residents.
He noted that while Republicans have a majority in the House, they can’t always get done what they want.
“We need to have that 83rd seat,” he said.
Everett, running unopposed in the Republican primary for the 84th House seat, joked, “That’s the way I like to run. I find I’m pretty successful when I’m unopposed.”
Also offering remarks were David Freed, Republican candidate for state attorney general, and Lycoming County Republican Chairman Robert Brobson.
Freed called on voters to end the Obama presidency.
“The President is unpopular in Pennsylvania,” he said. “He will hurt us, not help us here.”
Brobson said if Obama is reelected, Americans will lose the nation they know.
Several Republicans were recognized by the county party for their work on behalf of the party.
Carolyn W. Bullock, a former Williamsport City Council member and treasurer, received the Alvin C. Bush Award.
Bullock told the audience she was grateful to have offered her service over the years.
Virginia Martino received the Letter of Service Award.
Mary Bennardi and Lori Knowlden received Chairman Service awards.
Read more: http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/575064/County-Republicans-talk-election–recognize-leaders.html