PENNSYLVANIA
    May 17, 2022 Governor Republican Primary

The Field Takes Shape

JOE GALE
February 16, 2021

Gale for Governor…and Gale for Senate

In 2015, when the Montgomery County Republican Committee chose a former board member of Planned Parenthood and a tax delinquent as their endorsed candidates for County Commissioner, I was outraged and decided to run unendorsed on the core values of moral character and fiscal responsibility to give Republicans a true pro-life conservative choice in the primary.
Despite being smeared by the GOP establishment for daring to challenge their handpicked puppets, the Republican primary voters of Montgomery County elected me to be their nominee for County Commissioner.
Opposition from party bosses and GOP insiders carried over into the general election, along with predictable resistance from the Democrat Party who wanted a rubber-stamp Republican who would ‘go along to get along’ on the three-member Board of Commissioners.
Yet, by the grace of God and an unprecedented grassroots campaign, I garnered enough support from Republicans, Independents and conservative Democrats to earn a position on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners at the age of 26. In doing so, I not only became the youngest Montgomery County Commissioner in history, but the first elected without the support of either major party establishment.
In 2016, I was honored to be the first elected official in Pennsylvania to endorse Donald Trump for President. Like me, I knew Donald Trump was a genuine conservative outsider who could win and shake up the system by disrupting the status quo. Beyond his many accomplishments in the White House, Donald Trump’s greatest contribution to our nation was his ability to defeat the GOP swamp and rebuild the Republican Party on the fertile soil of patriotic populism.
Sadly, in the final days of Donald Trump’s sabotaged presidency and the bogus impeachment that followed, we have witnessed the beginning of a concerted effort by entrenched politicians and party bosses to return the Republican Party to the failed policies and platforms of the Bush, McCain and Romney era. However, the Republican Party cannot go backward to move forward. To continue advancing the Trump movement, we must remain committed to draining the swamp within the GOP, which is best accomplished by winning Republican primaries.
The mid-term elections of 2022 offer frustrated Pennsylvania Republican voters a unique opportunity. Democrat Governor Tom Wolf, whose gross negligence and totalitarian overreach has destroyed the lives and livelihoods of countless families and small businesses, will be termed out. In addition, Republican Pat Toomey’s Senate seat will be open as he will not be seeking a third term. Based on his shameful track record of betraying President Trump and partnering with Democrats on gun-grabbing legislation, Pat Toomey is nothing more than a textbook RINO (Republican In Name Only) who has been an utter disappointment to conservative voters.
We cannot afford to replace Governor Wolf and Senator Toomey with establishment puppets or fake conservatives who make big speeches and peddle false hope instead of delivering real results.
In my travels across Pennsylvania, countless people have encouraged me to run for Governor and nearly just as many have asked me to run for U.S. Senate. It is quite clear that there is a growing appetite to fill both seats with an independent conservative outsider who has the proven ability to win and the fortitude to lead.
That is why I am announcing my bid for Pennsylvania Governor. In addition, we cannot allow the other top-of-the-ticket race in 2022 to fall into the hands of the Republican Party establishment and the ring-kissing candidates they control, influence and endorse. Therefore, my brother and fellow conservative outsider, Sean Gale, is running for United States Senate.
Sean Gale and I share more than a last name, we share the same values and principles that millions of Pennsylvanians live by each and every day. And frankly, in both the gubernatorial race and U.S. Senate race, we are all that stands between the conservative Republican voters of Pennsylvania and the insidious GOP establishment swamp.
Although Sean and I will be charging into two different battles, the foundation of each battle is the same: the only path to victory in each race is with a candidate who is pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-small business, pro-shale, pro-pipeline, pro-Trump and, most importantly, not controlled, influenced or endorsed by Republican Party bosses.
For too long, the state government has been dominated by a pathetic Republican-controlled legislature who has given us little more than the nation’s highest gasoline tax (Act 89) and the nation’s longest universal mail-in voting period (Act 77). As Governor, I will hold bad Republicans accountable not just by naming names, but by supporting primary challenges against those who undermine a common-sense conservative agenda – which must begin with election reform. This means eliminating Pennsylvania’s 50 days of no-excuse mail-in voting and mandating that photo-identification be shown at the polls on Election Day.
In Washington, D.C., Sean Gale will bring a much needed conservative backbone to a federal government that is immersed in pay-to-play politics and is quickly adopting the open-borders globalist agenda of never-Trump Republicans, radical left-wing Democrats, and their friends overseas in socialist Europe and communist China. The United States Senate is in desperate need of a man like Sean Gale who will hold both parties accountable for their abandonment of the American people and the American way of life. Simply stated, Sean Gale will be the exact opposite of RINO Pat Toomey.
In the weeks and months ahead, Sean Gale and I will continue outlining and articulating our plans to restore common-sense and end politics-as-usual in Harrisburg and Washington.
God Bless,
Joe Gale
Montgomery County Commissioner

LOU BARLETTA [video]
May 16, 2021

Lou Barletta announces bid for governor of Pennsylvania

Former mayor & congressman blasts failed leaders, pledges to turn Commonwealth around

Former Mayor and Congressman Lou Barletta today announced that he is seeking the Republican nomination to run for governor of Pennsylvania. Barletta blasted the failed leadership of Gov. Tom Wolf and Harrisburg insiders and said his desire to turn Pennsylvania around is what drove his decision to enter the race. Barletta made the announcement through a video released on his newly launched campaign website at www.LouBarletta.com.

“My family has lived in Hazleton for over a hundred years. I grew up here, went to school here, worked here, met my wife and raised my family here,” Barletta said in the video. “Our way of life changed dramatically during the pandemic – look, everyone’s did. But here in Pennsylvania, it was made so much worse by politicians – politicians who weren’t just looking to stop a virus, but politicians hell bent on trying to change who we are and how we live.”

Barletta has been traveling the state over the past several months and recently launched a political action committee to elevate discussion of important issues facing Pennsylvania. He heard from individuals, families, and small business owners who were frustrated by the coronavirus response in the Commonwealth and felt that their voices were not being heard by elected officials.

“These politicians – and I’m talking about Governor Wolf and the Harrisburg insiders – they had a disastrous response to the pandemic,” Barletta said. “Wolf squeezed our small business owners and put hard-working Pennsylvanians on the unemployment line. These politicians kept our kids out of school for far too long, and who knows the long-term damage of that. And I’m just going to be blunt about this one, because it’s how we talk here in Pennsylvania: Tom Wolf has blood on his hands for sentencing our seniors to die in nursing homes. It didn’t have to be this way.”

Barletta also identified a number of other issues which will be central to his campaign. He will unleash the potential of Pennsylvania’s natural resources and create thousands of energy sector jobs in the process. He will continue his fight against illegal immigration and oppose sanctuary cities. He will support and fully fund law enforcement agencies. And he will restore voters’ trust in our democracy by fixing the system that injected chaos and uncertainty into our elections.

“The politicians in Harrisburg took too much power. And we all know what happens when you give politicians and bureaucrats more power – they’ll never give it back to us,” Barletta said. “The solutions aren’t complicated. More than anything, we need someone to fight for them and fight for you. So let’s do it. Let’s take back Pennsylvania, together.”

Born and raised in Hazleton, Barletta started his own pavement marking business with his wife, Mary Grace, for $29.95 at age 28, and five years later it was the largest of its kind in the Commonwealth. His first role in public service was serving as a councilman and eventually mayor of his hometown. The lessons Barletta learned as mayor have always stayed with him.

As mayor of Hazleton from 2000 to 2010, Barletta became the first in the country to pass a local ordinance to combat illegal immigration and was promptly sued by the American Civil Liberties Union. Under his leadership, Hazleton was recognized as one of the best-managed cities in the Commonwealth and Barletta was appointed to an international panel on local authorities by former President George W. Bush.

Barletta served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives in the former 11th District of Pennsylvania from 2011 to 2019, solidifying his reputation as a firm opponent of illegal immigration, but also as a leader in good government. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, he saved taxpayers $4.4 billion through better use of federal real estate and more efficient management of office leases. Barletta was also credited with saving federal funding for after school programs, which had been slated for elimination. He was one of the first members of the House to endorse Donald Trump for president in 2015.

Lou and Mary Grace Barletta live in Hazleton and have four daughters and ten grandchildren.

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NCHE ZAMA [video]
May 20, 2021

CHARLIE GEROW [video]
June 17, 2021

Gerow Announces Candidacy for Governor of Pennsylvania

Charlie Gerow this evening announced that he is running for the Pennsylvania Republican nomination for Governor.

Gerow is a national conservative leader with deep Pennsylvania roots.  He is the Vice Chairman of CPAC and the American Conservative Union. A successful small businessman, he’s CEO of Quantum Communications based in Harrisburg.

For decades Charlie has been a conservative voice in the media, appearing multiple times weekly on television and radio. For the past decade he wrote a conservative weekly column for the Harrisburg Patriot News (PennLive).

Gerow, 66, of Hampton Township, announced his candidacy before a crowd of supporters at the Good Hope Fire Department in Cumberland County, where his son is a volunteer fire fighter.

Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), the senior Republican member of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation introduced Charlie and said, “What’s missing in this state is a governor who can make things happen.” Rep. Thompson said “I thought who is it in this state that can not only win an election but govern our citizens in the manner in which they deserve to be governed.  The name that came to my mind was Charlie Gerow. So I  picked up the phone and said, Charlie you need to run for governor!”

Charlie was born into poverty in southern Brazil, adopted by American missionaries, came to the United States and has lived in Pennsylvania for 60 years.

Gerow began his career on the campaign staff of Ronald Reagan for whom he did work for many years.

“I’m running for governor because I know we need a conservative who can win in the battle for our ideas, win in the media, who can beat Josh Shapiro on the debate stage and who will carry our values in the governor’s office,” Gerow said.

Charlie said he will govern the state with the conservative principles of promoting economic growth and reducing taxes and regulations.


BILL MCSWAIN [video]
September 13, 2021

BILL MCSWAIN DECLARES CANDIDACY FOR GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA

West Chester, Pa. — Bill McSwain today announced his candidacy for governor of Pennsylvania at an event in his home town of West Chester. Surrounded by supporters and joined by his wife Stephanie and their children, McSwain pointed to his experience as US Attorney and his time in the US Marine Corps to describe himself as a tough-on-crime candidate who will do whatever necessary to ensure a safer, freer, and more prosperous Pennsylvania:

I will fight with all the commitment I learned as a Marine and a prosecutor to protect the vulnerable and to restore freedom, public safety, and economic and educational opportunity. I will be a governor who will give the job every ounce of energy that I can muster…a governor who will not just show up for you, but stand up for you, your family, and your freedom.
These sentiments are echoed in an announcement video released today, in which McSwain promises to reverse the harmful policies enacted by Governor Wolf, grow economic opportunity, revitalize Pennsylvania’s education systems, and restore election integrity. The full video can be viewed below:

McSwain was joined Monday by Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline, who spoke in support of McSwain and his legacy in Chester County:

Throughout his career as a prosecutor and as a Marine, Bill McSwain has consistently faced tough fights and won. Bill is known in his hometown of West Chester for being an advocate for safety, security and economic growth. Those of us that know him in Chester county know that he will be a governor who will show up and stand up for the working families, law enforcement, and law abiding citizens all across Pennsylvania.

Additional guest speakers included Terri O’Connor, wife of Cpl. James O’Connor, and Andy Hicks, local business owner.

Terri O’Connor shared how McSwain came to her aid after her husband, Philadelphia police officer Cpl. James O’Connor, was shot and killed in the line of duty:

Bill McSwain was there in my family’s time of need. He promised to prosecute the case so that my husband’s killer would never be allowed back on the streets, and he delivered. As governor, Bill McSwain will fulfill his promise to restore law and order and ensure this will never happen to another family again. Pennsylvania needs a governor who is on the job 24/7, working to keep Pennsylvania families safe. Bill McSwain is that man.

As President and Owner of Tripoint Properties, Inc., Hicks described how the harmful policies enacted by Governor Wolf have crippled the state’s economy, crushed small businesses, and stifled entrepreneurship:

Lack of leadership, unpredictable mandates, and forced shutdowns have made it hard to run a successful business in Pennsylvania. We need the leadership of a strong, consistent governor who will help small businesses get back on their feet.  I know that Bill McSwain will be that governor.
Appointed by President Trump, McSwain’s record as US Attorney demonstrates his fierce defense of constitutional rights, dedication to upholding law and order, and history of putting criminals and corrupt politicians in jail.

Prior to becoming an attorney, Bill served as a scout/sniper platoon commander in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was born in Philadelphia and raised in Chester County, where he lives today with his wife, Stephanie, and their four children. More information on McSwain’s background and platform is available here.

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DAVE WHITE [video]
November 6, 2021

Dave White Launches Campaign For Governor of Pennsylvania

RIDLEY PARK, PA – Surrounded by hundreds of family, friends, and supporters in Ridley Township, blue collar businessman and former Delaware County Councilman Dave White (R-Delaware County) today announced his campaign for Governor of Pennsylvania.

In his remarks, as prepared for delivery, White said:

On Announcing His Candidacy:
“Today, we make history. Today is the day we launch our campaign, TOGETHER, to put this Commonwealth back on the right track… the day when the working men and women, parents, seniors, veterans, teachers, doctors, farmers…. the blue-collar workers and the white collar workers, this is the day we all stand up and demand results.” 

What Will Dave White’s Campaign Be About:
“That means… Less Crime, safer streets.  More Funding for our police.  Fewer kids trapped in failing schools, more choices for our parents and children.  End Critical Race Theory, increased parental involvement in our children’s curriculum.  Lower taxes, better jobs.  Less regulation, more freedom.  Taking an AXE to ACT 77, restoring faith in electoral process.  Smaller government, more accountability.  Lower gas prices, more Pennsylvania energy production.  Protecting LIFE, and those who can’t speak for themselves.  Fewer excuses, but more results… The bottom line is Pennsylvanians need LESS TALK and MORE ACTION.”

Why Dave White:
“If you are looking for a candidate with a fancy resume or with decades of experience in Harrisburg or Washington, degrees from expensive schools, I’m just not the right candidate for you. But if you are looking for a candidate who has real-life experience working to build a company, will take an inclusive, commonsense approach to dealing with the problems our commonwealth is facing, who will make decisions with the best intentions for hardworking Pennsylvanians, and will deliver Less Talk, More Action in Harrisburg.”

Why A Career Politician Is Not The Solution:
“… But we can’t get there by repeating the same mistakes of the past. We need someone who brings a fresh perspective and is not stuck in the “this is the way we have always done it” mentality. 
We can’t fix Pennsylvania by electing those that continue to make those same mistakes, that depend on an elected position for their own living. It is time for NEW leadership, a NEW leader from outside the system, that doesn’t depend on the system for their livelihood…”
 
ABOUT DAVE WHITE
Dave White knows our commonwealth's best days lie just ahead of us with the right leadership and a plan that puts Pennsylvanians first. That is why Dave is seeking the Republican nomination for governor. Dave has a proven record of leading and success in both the public and private sectors. He knows that by unleashing the power of the private sector, Pennsylvania can lead the nation and become a go-to destination for businesses looking to relocate and families looking for the best place to live, work and raise their families.

As a third-generation Steamfitter, Dave has more than 40 years of experience in HVAC installation and servicing. After working decades as a Union Pipefitter, in 2005, Dave put his background and knowledge of mechanical systems and founded DWD Mechanical Contractor Inc.

After starting his own company, Dave helped build it from a small HVAC company into one of the "go-to" HVAC companies in southeastern Pennsylvania and employs over 80 hardworking people in family- sustaining jobs.

Cutting his teeth as a blue-collar worker, Dave understands that the Republican Party is the party of the working Pennsylvanian. That is why he was a supporter of President Donald J. Trump's America First agenda. President Trump's agenda cemented the Republican Party's position as the party of hardworking Americans. President Trump put American workers first by supporting the development of domestic energy production, renegotiating the unfair NAFTA agreement and successfully working with Congress to pass the USMCA. Dave plans to bring the same pro-business, pro-worker agenda to Pennsylvania to uncork the potential of our commonwealth.

As Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest populations of veterans in our nation, Dave believes we must show these brave patriots the respect they have earned and provide them with the support they need. That is why Dave is an avid supporter of veterans and was presented with the "Hendrick Award" for outstanding service to the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum.

As part of his service to support his local community, Dave helps advocate for residents living with special needs. A father to a 33-year-old adult son, Brian, with special needs, he understands the challenges these residents and their families face each day.

White was appointed to Delaware County Council in 2012 to fill the unexpired term of John J. Whelan. In 2013 he was elected to a four-year term as Councilman. He has served his community for over 30 years, both as an elected leader and a volunteer. Before his appointment to County Council, Dave was a Commissioner of Ridley Township and served as Vice President of the commissioners. He also founded the Police and Firefighters Memorial Foundation.

Dave is a graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School and also attended Delaware County Vocational Technical School and Penn State University. He was inducted into the Cardinal O'Hara Hall of Fame in recognition for his efforts, generosity, selfless service and pursuit of excellence in the community.

Dave grew up in a large Catholic family where he had 13 brothers and sisters. Growing up in a large working- class family formed the foundation of Dave's character. The values of hard work, the importance of faith, and traditional family values made him the husband, father, and businessman he is today. As a member of a large family, Dave is strongly pro-life. Additionally, as a lifetime member of the NRA, Dave will always fight to support the 2nd Amendment and our rights to bear arms.

A lifelong resident of Delaware County, he grew up in Springfield and then moved to Ridley Township 38 years ago with his wife, Debbie. They have four children – Lisa and her husband, Paul Getz, Matthew and his wife Dana, Brian, and Kellianne. Dave and Debbie are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren.

To learn more about Dave White and view his official campaign biography, click here.

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JAKE CORMAN [video]
Nov. 25, 2021

Putting People First: Jake Corman Launches Campaign For Governor

Corman to fight for Pennsylvania families

Priorities: Personal Freedoms, Education, Job Creation, Safe Communities
   
BELLEFONTE, Pa., Nov. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Promising to fight to put people first and improve the lives of families, longtime Pennsylvania public servant Jake Corman today launched his campaign to become Pennsylvania's 48th governor from his hometown of Bellefonte with a video on his campaign website and YouTube channel.

The video can be viewed at his campaign website: www.CormanforPA.com and on his YouTube channel:  https://youtu.be/gOH9Vd4lfd8.

Currently president pro tempore of the state Senate, he pledged to protect the personal freedoms of Pennsylvanians while improving the commonwealth's educational opportunities, creating jobs and ensuring our communities are safe.

"I will fight for the freedoms of Pennsylvanians every day," Corman said. "We are not a society that accepts being told to stay home and let government figure it out. Pennsylvania is a can-do society. Let us know what the challenges are, and we will meet them head on."

Job creation will be a top priority for the Corman administration. While in the Senate, he helped to create 4,000 jobs at a Luzerne County brownfield redevelopment through energy-friendly tax credits that incentivize businesses to locate in Pennsylvania.

"My administration will embrace the energy economy because that's the greatest area of job growth in Pennsylvania," he said. "There isn't any reason we can't have a clean, safe environment and a thriving energy industry."

To achieve economic security, Sen. Corman also will focus on building a world-class educational system with an array of options, including strong K-12 public schools, vo-tech schools, community colleges and training centers.

"Our children are our future," he said. "I'm proud to have voted for record funding in public education. While supporting our public schools, we must acknowledge that education isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. We've learned a lot about education during the pandemic. Parents feel more invested than ever to play an active role in their child's education. A good education shouldn't be determined by a child's zip code. Let's empower parents to find the right educational environment they believe is best suited for their children to succeed. And not all students follow traditional paths. Expanding our adult education opportunities is essential to our economy."

The Corman administration also will be an ally to law enforcement, providing funding, training and the tools necessary to stop the historic escalation of violence in our communities.

"At a time when our law enforcement needed leadership and support, our governor marched in a protest and stood in front of a sign that read, 'Blue Lives Murder'," Corman said. "It's a shame our governor hasn't put so much effort into providing law enforcement and our communities tools to fight crime. We're seeing crime plaguing communities across Pennsylvania. Some of our cities are among the worst in the nation for violence. Our administration will be allies for law enforcement. We'll invest in putting police on the streets and make sure they have the training and tools they need to keep our communities safe. Make no mistake, we'll stand with law enforcement against those who demonize our bravest public servants."

Sen. Corman said the time has come for Pennsylvanians to take back their personal freedoms.

"I believe we can take on and defeat this pandemic and not infringe on our individual freedoms," he said. "I believe we can protect our environment and the beauty of Pennsylvania and still have a thriving energy economy that provides family-sustaining jobs for our communities. I believe we can have a first-class public school system and empower parents to find the best environment for their children to succeed. I believe we can support our heroes in law enforcement and deal with social concerns surrounding our communities."

"I believe in the greatness of Pennsylvania. And I'm ready to fight for it. It's time to unleash Pennsylvanians so we can achieve the promise of our great commonwealth."

About Jake

A native of Centre County, Jake Corman has dedicated his life to public service. First elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in 1998, he has built a reputation for making historic investments in education, creating jobs, and being a strong fiscal watchdog for Pennsylvania taxpayers. For more information, please see: www.cormanforpa.com.

MELISSA HART - January 5, 2022

DOUG MASTRIANO - January 8, 2022