Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Republicans tout row office, judicial candidates
U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta addresses guests at Crowne Plaza in King of Prussia
KING OF PRUSSIA » U.S. Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, addressed 400 members of the Republican Committee of Chester County during last week’s fall reception, at the Crowne Plaza.
As part of a lively presentation, Barletta talked about overcoming a 2 to 1 Democratic majority to become mayor of Hazleton, a city in Luzerne County.
“It doesn’t matter what party you’re in … people want to get along together,” Barletta said. “I took a city that was bankrupt and literally turned it around.”
Barletta wants to move from the House to the Senate to “have an opportunity to do something.”
“One vote in the Senate could be the difference for all the things we believe in,” he said. “The opportunity that you give us is much bigger than us or you.
“It’s now our turn to do for the next generation.”
Barletta is seeking to challenge U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., who is running for re-election next year.
Prior to the speech, the congressman said that he always looks forward to coming to Chester County, home to his daughter, sonin-law and three of his seven grandchildren.
Barletta said his daughter is excited to be able to vote for her father and put up his lawn sign in the front yard.
“People are very involved in their elections and government,” he said about Chester County voters. “All politics is local.
“We usually get good government when people get involved.”
Barletta told the audience that he “hated” politics when growing up.
He dreamed of playing centerfield for the New York Yankees.
He was surprised by his father’s response when he was informed of his son’s dreams.
“If there is something in life you want to do, don’t be afraid, just do it,” Barletta quoted his father as saying.
U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6, introduced Barletta after noting that the stock market is performing well.
“We are governing in a very positive way,” he said. “Tax reform will be putting money back into your pocket and put it back into businesses.”
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-16, also spoke.
“We have a tremendous opportunity as Republicans to change the direction and move the country in the right direction.”
Smucker said that tax reform would create “sustained economic growth for a long time to come.”
Val DiGiorgio, chairman of the Pennsylvania and Chester County Republican parties, introduced several of the judges on the ballot and all four Republican candidates for county row offices.
He said that the odd year elections are “not always sexy” but are still important.
“You all know how important judges are,” DiGiorgio said. “Judges should not be making law from the bench.”
County Coroner Gordon Eck led the group in prayer. Kevin Pierce, police chief of South Coatesville and a former state trooper, sang the National Anthem.