According to the CDT, the 5th District in Pennsylvania has approximately 45K more registered Republicans than registered Democrats. Additionally, there are 43K that aren’t registered with either party.
I am not sure why this story is really relevant in this very big field of GOP candidates for the nomination of Peterson’s seat?
All I know is that the headline is “Republicans outnumber Democrats by 45,000 in District 5.”
I see no reason why that matters in the nomination process, as Republicans can only vote for Republicans, and Dems for Dems, in this state. This seems like a slanted rally cry from the CDT to motivate those (GOP) voters to go to the polls in the Centre Region. Why else would this be worth of mention? Especially at this early date?
I will be very curious to see what this means, if anything, after the vote in November? Who do those 43,745 independents break for in the 5th? Do all the GOP voters (193,143) stand loyal to party, or do some prove intelligent enough to choose a representative that actually represents them before he or she represents a party? Easily, the same can be said for the pool of Democrats (147,580). The question will be whether “Pennsyltucky“ is going to trend Blue with the rest of the state, or not?
I am not holding my breath on the point.
What I am hoping is that Shaner and Walker will cancel one another out. Both of these potentials make me very nervous.
Like Shaner, Derek Walker says one thing, but his family connections cause you to wonder about his true intentions:
I have a hard time believing this line from a man who’s family owns the largest privately owned coal company in Pennsylvania.
“I will work vigorously to oppose the tolling of I-80, make sure people in rural areas have access to high quality affordable health care and that Congress passes an energy bill which recognizes the importance of producing domestic natural gas and oil, ethanol and biodiesel, wind and solar power, clean coal technology and nuclear energy as keys to energy independence for this county,” Walker said.”
I want to know why someone like Mike Hanna hasn’t decided to sweep in and save our District from the likes of these less-than-average candidates? Hanna has been solid in the PA State House since 1991. He carries tons of experience and exposure, which would certainly help to collect some of those 43K non-party affiliated Pennsylvanians. I would also guess this would bring a few of the unhappy GOP voters over to the Democrat side.
All I hear are rumors of a Democratic sweep of the House & Senate this year. Well I would like to see the PA 5th District seat a part of that wave! So I am hoping there are shades of truth in the Hanna rumor!
Hanna, Surra
I can only guess that the state party wants them to remain in their seats – rather than cede those to Republicans too.
Also, Hanna probably didn’t want to run against Vilello.
Or maybe Cahir was recruited by the bigwigs in D.C. and all the rest were told to stand down.
This is all second hand....
You are right on about Derek Walker.
Back at a local event in November, I was standing in a group that contained Mr. Walker. The subject of I-80 tolling came up, and Derek, always one to inject his opinion, stated something to the effect “I’m for it, why shouldn’t people pay to use it (I-80).”
The rank and file Repubs should reject him in the primary. It will be a sad day if he gets to Washington.
I believe you are mistaken,
I believe you are mistaken, I was there too for this conversation and you are lying. I know who you are working for and spreading these lies will come back to bite you!
So, suddenly Derek has a bleeding heart?
I’ve been around him since he was a kid. Since when has he cared about people who are lesser then him and his family. If anyone believes he is anything other than a spoiled rich kid who thinks he can buy a seat in congress – they are sadly mistaken.
you don’t know him from
you don’t know him from Adam! You would see he has a big heart! I don’t hear anything about the heir to the Stroehman fortune being able to “buy” a seat in congress. Very interesting. I am sure they have more money than the Shaners and Walkers put together! I am sure you are just someone with a personal axe to grind like maybe he beat you out of the first string varsity soccer or something juvenile like that. So you have been around him since he was a kid, I DON’T THINK SO!
Dear Anonymous
I am new to the area and have reservations about the 5th district election.
You seem to know what’s going on, and I was wondering if you would be willing to email me at mihaito320@aol.com
Thank you
curious newby
Derek Walker opposed to Interstate 80 toll
WOW! Are you ever off base! I heard Derek Walker speak at a recent gathering of about 70 people and he is definitely opposed to the tolling of I80. Just what is your motivation for such a mis-representation? JEALOUSY AND ANGER??? You need to get your facts from Mr. Walker. I think that people of your caliber who purposly try to dicredit a candidate for whatever motivation, are doing the sincere and honest citizens of the 5th District a real disservice.
Let me set the scene: The
Let me set the scene:
The pre-Peterson retirement / before he was a candidate for congress Derek Walker stated, in a casual group setting, with several people discussing I-80 tolling he stated the opinion “I’m for it, why shouldn’t they pay to us it (I-80)”.
I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt if you wish. Maybe he did his research and changed his mind. But, knowing him from school and since, 2 months ago, he cared less about I-80 tolls, the problems of the working class or rural health care. He doesn’t care if he has to pay a few bucks to run his Cadillac Escalade (or whatever gas hog SUV he is driving now) on I-80.
I guarantee he does not
I guarantee he does not have and has never driven a Cadillac Escalade
Then it is a Lincoln Navigator.....
Sorry, mixed up my SUV’s – it is a Lincoln Navigator….
CORRECTION
IT’S A 2008 BMW X5
I 80 tolls
For walker it is very clear after meeting with him I 80 tolling are not favored by him or by his supports and staff; he is adamant on this subject face to face today. bob and cis larsen, lock haven
Check your facts
You should really check your facts before you write. This is just bad journalism! Bradford Coal was NEVER the largest privately owned coal co in PA. At one time in the 70s it was the SECOND largest for awhile. It is a very small operation now and they don’t even mine coal anymore! Please check your facts before you go spewing false information.
check your facts part 2
You are using data from an article that is 12 years old!
hanna surra 2
The South had a name for politicians like Cahir. My question is didn’t we just get rid of Santorium. Do we want another who maintains a home in the district but his family lives in Washington. Think people!!
Fact check
fair enough, I didn’t check the age.
My thoughts on Derek
I’ve known Derek Walker for going on 20 years, and while I’ve always been able to get along with him personally, I find his political views to be almost exactly opposite of what our area needs. Like Gary, I seriously question whether the product of big-coal can be serious about greener energy. Our current rep has the abolute WORST record on the House with respect to envirnmental concerns, we need to turn that around. I feel that this area can be a leader in Green energy production, but I don’t think Walker will take us there.
In addition, I can’t help but feel Derek is only carrying out his father’s ambition…it’s no secret that Derek has been groomed for a run like this since he was 12 or so. I wonder, has Derek ever been allowed to pursue his own wishes and dreams? I don’t like voting for ‘families’, I prefer individuals, and in Derek’s case it’s VERY difficult to separate the man from the family.
Your take on Derek....
This is probably the most honest, without going negative, assessment of Derek Walker I’ve seen. Anyone who is thinking he is the person for the 5th district seat should read the above.
PA District 5
This district has suffered from a brain drain for well over a generation. For the most part, any young adult with a modicum of intelligence or ambition has left this district to settle elsewhere. If this area of Pennsylvania has any opportunity for a viable economic future, we must elect someone who has a vision for a prosperous economic future for our district.
Derek Walker fits the bill.
Vision
I agree that there has been a brain drain in the area. But this area has also been trending toward a greener energy initiative. Central PA is about to open I believe two ethanol plants which will help improve the industrial base.
However, I don’t believe Mr. Walker with his ties to the coal industry fits with the greener future that we are trying to achieve.
I prefer someone with experience working with blue collar people who has built himself up from the bottom…on his own accord. I don’t like these “family dynasties” that only continue the slow decline of this area. This is how we got a small mind like Bill Shuster elected to Congress.
Ethanol in Central PA
The “green” candidate in this race is probably Mark McCracken. I think the Clearfield County Commissioners worked to bring an ethanol plant into Clearfield County. I don’t think the Walker’s and Bradford Coal had anything to do with the project.
Green Energy Does Not Necessarily Equal Jobs
Hey, “green” energy and “green” tourism do not necessarily equate to “green backs” for residents of this district. Thomas “Tip” O’Neill—a longtime Speaker of the House in the U.S. Congress—once declared, “All politics is local.” Even though I am confident Derek can promote “green” policies that benefit the district, I think that it is more important that Derek can effectively formulate policies that bring economic growth to the region. Although I am an independant, I am confident that Derek Walker is the best candidate for the PA5 seat.
Be Careful People
If the Shaner/Walker war continues, you people might end up with Stroehmann as your Congressman. You should ask the people from Woodward Township how he handled simple tasks as a township supervisor. He wasn’t elected for a second term! He’s the guy calling himself a successful businessman … someone should ask to see his income tax returns! Talking about family money … google him and read about his SECOND DIVORCE! Also, his daughter, featured on his website, was born to another woman while he was still married to his second wife. While his various sites change with regard to his education, one saying graduate of Penn Tech and another saying attended Penn Tech
it still isn’t enough. Considering the money Stoehmann is spending on t.v and radio … and that giant campaign bus, he could pull out a win. If that happens you’ll be sorry you didn’t vote for Derek Walker. So, be careful what you wish for!!!!! I think Derek Walker has been endorsed by some pretty smart people. Along with hearing him speak, I have read as much as I could find, he’s got my vote.
Walker in the closet
Walker has fallen into the Clinton trap of denying his photo shoot from the closet of an ex girl friend. the Da will break this open to show he is not only a liar but a pervert. Shaner gave the DA an affidavit on Walker’s exploits and that is why Walker is eating Shaner. Walker bragged about it to shaner in a bar one night last fall. The DA will expose walker before the election. Two more affidavits are comming in and Walker’s old man knew about this before he ran. What type of integrity does these people have? Focus on Stroup, thompsom.
That is really bad. I am
That is really bad. I am sickened that these two clowns are seriously leading the pack for a spot in the US CONGRESS. Jesus wept.
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