Boockvar to The Birth Center

Kathy Boockvar, who was the Democratic candidate for the 8th congressional district in 2012, and subsequently became the general counsel for the state auditor general's office, has a new job.  She announced today that she will become the new executive director of The Birth Center, described on the organization's website as " a nonprofit that provides a midwifery model of women’s health care that is safe, satisfying, and personalized."  You can read more in "Boockvar gets new gig," by Gary Weckselblatt in today's Intelligencer.

Boockvar / Fitzpatrick Debate on WNPV's Comment Please

On Oct. 18th Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-08) and the Democratic challenger Kathryn Boockvar appeared on WNPV's Comment Please by Univest with host Darryl Berger

The radio debate is available online so you can listen for yourself.  I listened and took notes.  This is not intended as a complete transcript and, as always, I apologize in advance for any errors or misconceptions.

DB:  8^th congressional district still all of Bucks County but no longer NE Philly, part of Montgomery County in the district has shifted more to the west.  Parts of North Penn area, Indian Valley. 

Opening Comments

MF:  Thanks.  My name is Mike Fitzpatrick.  I was sent to Congress in 2011 to put congressional house in order and to criticize my party when wrong and Democrat party when wrong.  I am one of the most independent congressional representatives.

KB:  Thanks.  Thanks to the Inquirer for endorsing me.  I’ve never been a politician but always in public service, representing disabled veterans, women, senior citizens.  Running whole life, feel congress has lost public service, now it is all about them.  I want to bring it back to being about people.  Move things forward for all of us, boosting economy.

Questions

DB:  Nature of this campaign, a lot of money on negative ads, how you’ve been characterized by other campaign

MF:  It is an issue.  A lot of money spent by outside organizations.  Think I and KB would agree that things should stay in Bucks Co.  I have a voting record.  I’m described one way when my voting record is another.  Cites document from bipartisan group (Bipartisan Policy Center) on vanishing moderates.  Always independent.  My constituents know me and my record.  National Dems trying to change people’s minds.  Don’t think it will work.

KB:  Congressman does have a voting record.  MF has voted with Tea Party on important issues, in favor of Tea Party record, in favor of abolishing Planned Parenthood.  I’m proud of my career and record, representing disabled veterans, senior citizens.  This is what I’ve always done.  They call me names because they don’t want to talk about their voting record.

DB:  So much money coming into this campaign, some from constituents but a lot from outside, from PACS.  Does it seem disproportionate to you?  Millions raised for race for what end?

KB:  I was in favor of campaign finance reform, never so much in favor of it as I am now.  Amount of money being spent is a national travesty.  The good we could do with that money.  Don’t always know who has donated because of organizations that don’t have to report it.  I will work hard to enact campaign finance reform.

MF:  With all due respect, we’re all going to say we’re for campaign finance reform.  Would like to see rule that only people who live in district can donate to race.  Tried to reach out to opponent two years ago to limit donations, they laughed, this year reached out no response.  Only outside group is Take Down Fitzpatrick.  It started early.  Trying to define me in a way that my constituents said that’s not fair.  For the course of the year the only outside force involved in Take Down Fitzpatrick.  Easy to say you’re for campaign finance reform but harder to do.

KB:  I have nothing to do with Take Down Fitzpatrick.  In last quarter Fitzpatrick raised over $200K from PACS.  We’ve had over 12K individual contributors to this race.  Fitzpatrick started out race a year before us with $1Million.  I will start from day 1 as a member of congress to fight for voices of people to be louder than voices of corporations.

DB:  IN DC you vote on bills from party leaders.  If you approach someone who says they are voting for other presidential candidate how to you appeal to them

KB:  I am knocking on Republican, Democratic, and Independent doors.  Bucks Countians are independent thinkers.  Everyone so frustrated with so little getting done.  Looking for people to work across the aisle.  I don’t agree with everything Barack Obama does or Mitt Romney does.  My mediation background has me looking for common ground and solutions.  Just at an event when a woman came over and said voting for Mitt Romney but also voting for Kathy Boockvar.

MF:  If you take a look at the voting history of Bucks, I always run looking for support of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.  I live 3 blocks from where I grew up.  One of most diverse communities in county.  I live amongst and talk to Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, take all that down to nation’s capital.  One of the most competitive districts in state and country.  Requires a Representative who lives here and understands it.

DB:  Jobs and the economy

MF:  First, jobs and the economy are 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd issue.  I was sent to DC to stand up for the district, to take on the Democrat administration when they were wrong.  The jobs and economic record of this administration a failure.  Debt gone up 60% in 4 years.  Real unemployment rate in double digits.  Gasoline went from $1.83 when Obama took office to $4.00 today.  Dragging down economic ability to expand.  Talk to businessmen all the time, talk to them about the challenges they face, getting people to work.  I put together a plan called Made in the USA.  Businesses looking for lower taxes, smart regulations, health care costs out of control.  Current admin failed on.  More taxes, greater expenses for small biz,  stand up and say he’s wrong.

KB:  The Boockvar agenda is action not words.  MF in office for 21 months, no action.  We’ve been in a critical situation for years now, why haven’t we moved forward.  Would lower base corporate tax rate, a disincentive for business.  Limit loopholes, biz able to get out of paying taxes.  Give credits to biz for bringing jobs back.  Build in America so we can buy in America.  Research and technology.  This is the first thing I would do.

MF:  My opponent wants to lower corporate rate but she’s promised to remove Bush tax cuts, increase taxes on dividends and capital gains.  There’ve been many bills introduced.  Harry Reid refuses to bring them up for a vote.  Bills pass in in the House, not in Senate.  Reins Act, reduce regulatory problems, if affects business has to go back for review.  Exploration for off shore energy.

KB:  I’m on not the record for anything on capital gains tax.  Only talked about Bush tax cuts, end on richest 1 or 2%.  Largest part of deficit is Bush tax cuts, moreso than wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Only time we lowered taxes and went to war.  I don’t sign pledges.  Legislators should have an open mind on options.  Wealthiest 1 or 2% tax cuts have to end.  Will have $1T off deficit. 

MF:  Stop threatening to raise taxes on American people and small businesses.  In a difficult economy, don’t increase taxes.  Barack Obama said that 18 months ago.  KB just said she is going to raise taxes on people in Bucks County.  I’m not raising the taxes on anyone.  We need to recover first.  Her plan would raise taxes on 1 million small businesses.

KB:  The congressman can’t raise taxes because he signed Grover Norquist’s tax pledge.  I go in with open mind.  98% of small businesses will not be impacted by ending Bush tax cuts for top 1 or 2%.  Pres. Clinton said we should end tax cuts for top earners.

MF:  between 2/3 and 75% of new jobs created by small businesses.  KB’s plan would raise taxes on 1 million small businesses.  We need them to buy new equipment (hopefully made in US), hire people.  Small businesses tell me they want fewer regulations, cut tax rate.  My opponent says she will raise taxes, increase regulations, health care.  I say government that spends less, taxes less, let individuals make their own business decisions.

DB:  Repeal affordable health care act (Obamacare)

KB:  I would not repeal it.  Everything MF saying is mostly inaccurate.  MF voted twice for Ryan budget which puts burden on middle class not wealthiest.  My visions is to support seniors and most vulnerable.  Pres. Clinton had high job growth with higher taxes on wealthy, higher than under Bush when taxes lower.  Health care is no the bill or law I would have drawn. My single biggest concern is that it not be a burden on individuals or small businesses.  I owned a small business.  At the same time we should acknowledge that we don’t want neighbors and friends getting health care at ER.  Bill should be tweaked.  Need cost containment.  We spend over 17% of GDP on health care, administrative spending is unbelievable.  If we were to spend less than 12% of GDP on health care, save $870B every year.

MF:  I always call is Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to be respectful.  Some reforms need to be supported, coverage for pre-existing conditions, negotiate with employers to keep kids on health coverage while looking for jobs.  But most of what is in that bill is harmful to economy.  Business says it’s a burden. Repeal and replace with a new bill that includes those consumer protections.  Passed without a single Republican vote. Obama said you can have your say then we’ll have our way.  Elections have consequences.  They said if you have health insurance you can keep it.  Not a tax.  Costs won’t go up.  Supreme Court says it is a tax.  Premiums have gone up.  Most families have seen premiums go up.  You keep the consumer protections which are good but repeal the balance.  Go with free market reforms.  Permit individuals to purchase insurance across the state lines. 

KB:  You can’t keep those protections if bill repealed.  He voted with his party over 30 times to repeal part or all the bill.  Al the citizens of Bucks and Montgomery Counties agrees we need to be able to cover kids until 26, cover pre-existing conditions, no copays for preventive care, but can’t have that unless healthy have coverage as well as sick.  This is not the bill I would have drawn.  A lot needs to be fixed.  Individual mandate developed by conservative organization.

MF:  Includes $715B out of Medicare.

KB:  Same thing in Ryan budget that MF supported.

MF:  When we need to strengthen and secure Medicare.  Bill has IPAB, decide what is provided and what is not.  Senior citizens will come to DC and ask for something to be covered but decisions made by unelected board.

KB:  The $716B changes how providers are paid.  MF voted twice for Ryan budget, took same $716B not to coverage but to fund tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires.  The panel, I’ve never said I’m in favor of it.  Changes need to be made on that as well.  Not a bunch of bureaucrats, but group of interested parties

MF:  These decisions need to be made by physicians and patients.  If she believes you can take 716B out of Medicare and not affect med care.  Cuts physicians.  We don’t have enough doctors now.

Closing statements:

KB:  Thank you again.  There are two starkly different visions.  I believe what will make America stronger is the principal of “we’re all in this together.”  Working together across the aisle.  Moving forward for all of us.  Not just for the wealthy but working for all of us.  Endorsed by National Committee to preserve Social Security and Medicare. www.boockvar.com

MF:  What really matters to most of us, turning economy around.  Unemployment excessively high.  Stand up against administration.  KB has promoted policies of Pelosi and Democrat Party.  Deficit over $50K per person in 8^th congressional district.  High gas prices.  Need change in the country.  www.fitzpatrickforcongress.com

Boockvar Campaign Event

press release from Kathryn Boockvar campaign:

Former Congressman Patrick Murphy joined Democratic Congressional Nominee Kathy Boockvar (PA-08) on the campaign trail to make a final pitch to voters about Kathy’s vision for creating jobs and strengthening the middle class.  They spoke with voters at the Great American Diner in Bensalem about the upcoming election and the issues at stake, before heading to a canvas launch to speak to supporters.

“Pennsylvanians and Americans face many serious challenges today -- too many of us are unemployed, too many are working more hours for less pay, too many are afraid of threats to our hard-earned retirement, and too many are unable to afford college,” said Boockvar. “This election presents a stark choice. The voters deserve a representative who has spent her career working with others to create solutions that move things forward for all of us, and I will work tirelessly to end the crippling obstruction in Congress, and focus on addressing the challenges we must overcome for all Americans."

Murphy said, “Here at home, Congressman Fitzpatrick tells constituents he’s independent, but in Washington, he’s voted against their interests and to protect companies that outsource Pennsylvania jobs, end Medicare as we know it, and defund Planned Parenthood. Fortunately, we have Kathy, who will fight to create jobs, protect Medicare and Social Security, and comprehensively improve our children's education.”

Boockvar, and Others Respond to GOP Attack Ad

from the inbox:

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Governor, former Philadelphia District Attorney, and Mayor Ed Rendell and Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams stood with Kathy today in Philadelphia to denounce the blatantly false attacks by the National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee (NRCC) and supported by Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick. Governor Rendell, District Attorney Williams, and Kathy Boockvar called on Congressman Fitzpatrick to denounce the vicious attacks. As of now, Congressman Fitzpatrick has stood by them.

“These false, personal attacks highlight everything that’s wrong with Washington and politics today,” said Kathy Boockvar. “Pennsylvanians and Americans face numerous challenges -- an economy that is not recovering fast enough, so many of our citizens still looking for good jobs, bright young kids who just can’t afford the crushing costs of college, and threats to programs that seniors and future seniors depend on. The choice is clearer than ever:  this election presents stark differences between how we plan to address these different challenges. And that’s what we need to be talking about this election.”

Governor Ed Rendell had the following to say:

“I had hoped that someone in Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick’s position would immediately denounce these attacks, but instead, just the other day he refused to do so.  Congressman Fitzpatrick should be ashamed of himself for standing by these lies.”

Former Congressman Patrick Murphy and Former Philadelphia Federal Prosecutor James Eisenhower issued the following statements in support of Kathy and condemning the attacks.

Congressman Murphy said, “The vicious and false attacks against Kathy and her family are despicable and I fully condemn them. They do not have a place in our political discourse and I wish Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick would stand up and say so. Bucks and Montgomery voters will see these attacks for what they are -- distractions and distortions. Mike Fitzpatrick’s lies during campaigns are unfortunately typical and unbecoming of the office. Kathy is the only candidate in this race who will fight to create jobs, protect Medicare and Social Security for seniors and future generations, and comprehensively improve our children's education."

Mr. Eisenhower explained, "I know Kathy Boockvar and to try and tie her to Mumia Abu-Jamal is absurd. As a former Philadelphia federal prosecutor, I can tell you that the whole line of attack is complete nonsense and it should stop. I grew up and went to school in Bucks County and I know Kathy will make a great representative for the people of Bucks and Montgomery counties."

Labor Day Messages

from Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz:

Dear Friend,

Labor Day marks the unofficial ‘end of summer’ when we gather with friends, family, and neighbors for that last summer barbecue or parade and students return to school.  As we celebrate, we should all take time to appreciate the legacy behind Labor Day – a day to honor America’s workers.

 

Every day Americans works long, hard hours to meet their responsibilities to their families and their communities, and in Congress I have a firm commitment to ensure that we do all we can to strengthen America’s economy.  And, we need to ensure America’s economic policies work for workers, not against them. I am a cosponsor of the Bring Jobs Home Act (H.R. 5542), which eliminates tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas.  This year, I introduced the Support Working Parents Acts of 2012 (H.R. 6268) which would provide middle class families a 35 percent tax credit to help cover the rising cost of child care expenses.  And, I worked hard to ensure that Congress passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which was a major step towards ending gender pay discrimination in America.

As the daughter of a Korean War veteran, I firmly believe that we have the responsibility to better ensure that our nation’s veterans can find work when they return home. Too many veterans, especially post-9/11, are struggling to find employment. As we wind down two wars, it is our duty and honor to support our veterans and ensure they have good, stable jobs when they return home so they can support their families and regain their footing in civilian life.  In my first term in Congress, I introduced legislation to provide tax credits to businesses that hire unemployed veterans. This bill was signed into law in 2007 and later strengthened by President Obama in 2009. To build on the success of that law, I introduced the Hiring Our Veterans Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in November 2011 as part of a larger package to strengthen the economic climate for veterans.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day, and let’s continue to work together to move America’s economy forward.

from Kathy Boockvar, Democratic candidate for 8th congressional district:

Dear Friend,
Today, we recognize the millions of American workers who compose the world's most industrious labor force. While a celebratory day, it is also an opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to America's workers and middle class families. Too many are still struggling this holiday and Congress needs to do more.

I am proud to have spent my career helping Pennsylvania workers protect their jobs, their Social Security and Medicare, and their families. I am also a proud former UAW member. Many of the rights we take for granted-- like the 40 hour work week, workplace safety, and the minimum wage-- would not exist were it not thanks to the incredible efforts of labor. We owe America's workers a huge thank you for building and driving and teaching our country. Let's work together to give businesses the incentives and tools to make it here in America, and bring our jobs home, so that we can all go back to work, rely on a liveable wage, and show our children a stronger America.


Happy Labor Day, and many thanks for all you do.

Murphy: Boockvar is a Fighter, a Mother, and a Leader

Kathryn Boockvar, Democratic candidate for the 8^th congressional district, formally opened her Bristol campaign office today.  Around 50 people attended, which made for a full office.  These are rough  notes from the public comments at the event, followed by some personal observations.  This is not intended as a full transcript.  As always I apologize for any errors or misconceptions.  Voters with questions should contact the campaign.  Boockvar's campaign website is www.boockvar.com.

 Patrick Murphy, who represented the district from 2006 to 2010, introduced her. 

Murphy said Boockvar would represent the families in this ear.  He knows her personally and professional and there would be no stronger representative of our families and seniors.  She’s a fighter, a mother, and a leader.  Washington, DC is polarized; people refuse to talk to each other.  There is an article in today’s Inquirer on health insurance rebates due to the new health care law.  It did away with discriminating based on pre-existing conditions and discriminated against women. 

Her opponent wants to go back to discriminating against women.  There is a clear contrast.  The economy is not bleeding jobs like it was at the end of George W. Bush’s presidency.  We need to create meaningful jobs.  There used to be 15,000 jobs at US Steel down the road.  Then it was a brownfield.  Now it houses the 5^th largest solar field in the United States, people are manufacturing wind turbine and solar panel components. 

Congressman Fitzpatrick was the deciding vote on CAFTA.  He said he wouldn’t vote for it then buckled under pressed and voted for it.  Kathy Boockvar won’t be pressured by Democrats or Republicans; she will do the right thing.  Fitzpatrick voted against tax credits to keep jobs in the United States.  It is up to us to fight for our values.  Give Kathy a chance.

The political polarization is a disgrace.  As John McCain said, “Country First.”  The Republicans this eyar said their goal above all was to make Barack Obama a one term president.

Kathy is one of us.  She will fight for civil rights, our families, and our seniors.

Kathryn Boockvar then addressed the crowd.  She thanked Murphy, campaign staff, volunteers, interns, and fellows. 

Paul Ryan, Todd Akin, and the RNC draft platform are extreme, and far from the center.  Fitzpatrick and Ryan want to end Medicare as we know it.  They want to redefine rape and support the Tea Party agenda.

American should take care of the middle class families before taking care of millionaires and billionaires.  We need to create good paying jobs and send our kids to college. 

I’ve spent my career fighting for Pennsylvania families.  I’ll take that to Washington and make Congress and Congress a common sense.  It is not enough to have a vision.   Making a vision a reality takes hard work.  We need to end tax breaks for billionaires and special interests. 

You are my eyes and ears and boots on the ground.

Personal notes:   Murphy is clearly very popular with his neighbors in Bristol.  He brought his children with him, and was dressed casually.  It is one of the few times I've seen him when he wasn't wearing a suit.  The crowd was anxious to greet him, ask about his family, and talk about local matters.  They weren't asking political favors; they just like him.

Boockvar's volunteers are devoted to her.  The campaign staff greeted me when I came in and steered me towards the food (woot!).  The volunteers talked about how wonderful they think Boockvar is and one woman told me how much she enjoyed spending time on the campaign.  

I like going to events in Lower Bucks County because the people there are just so darn nice.  It's not always easy to find locations; one way streets abound and if you aren't familiar with that specific neighborhood it can be tricky to maneuver.  But it's always well worth the effort.   

Boockvar seems at ease with people.  She walked around the room greeting people, many of whom wanted to be photographed with her.  Her daughter was in attendance and frequently went to stand by her mother. 

Stu Bykofsky Candidates' Comedy Night, 2012

The22nd  annual Stu Bykofsky Candidates’ Comedy Night, a benefit for Variety, the children’s charity, was held this evening at Finnegan’s Wake.   Since this is primarily a political blog I didn’t take notes on the speakers who aren’t running for office.  As always, this is not intended to be an exact transcript, just rough notes I took at the event.  It would be impossible to capture every joke, especially the longer, more involved story jokes, but I made an effort to provide some idea of each candidate's routine.  Text implies a direct joke, notes in brackets are condensations or gists.  Actions or extraneous activities are in italics, as are candidates' names.  Read your local newspapers for more exact accounts of the event.

Tom Smith, Republican candidate for Senate

[he had slides, with his face imposed on or added to stock or iconic photos] 

I am new to politics and most people in Philadelphia aren’t familiar with me.  My father died when I was 20 and I had to look after the family so I couldn’t go to college but I sent my daughters.  [shows a slide of what he would have looked like if he had gone – his face superimposed on someone wearing a college tshirt holding a beer mug].  

 My wife is with me, as you can see I left her get a new dress for the event [American Gothic painting with Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s photos in it].   

I worked in a coal mine [Smith’s face on the front of Thomas the Tank Engine, pulling a load of coal].   

I had big dreams [his face added to a picture of the Beverly Hillbillies].  My wife and I adopted four children so a family could stay together.   

People say I am a Tea Party candidate but there are a lot of things about me you don’t know [his face added to an Occupy Pittsburgh group photo].

Congressman Bob Brady, Democrat, 1^st district

Incumbents do comedy every day, make fools of ourselves every day.  This is for the kids. 

[tells a joke about an attorney going to a brothel].   

[Tells a pee and poop joke at Bykofsky’s expense]. 

Sen. Bob Casey, Democrat

[Makes fun of himself for being dull, cites a NYT article that says he shows excitement with extra eyebrow activity]

Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, Democrat, 13^th district, sent a surrogate, Neil Deegan. 

Top 10 reasons Allyson can’t be here tonight:

Still at PennDOT waiting for her voter id card

Getting new copy of the congressional ladies’ room key made for Kathy Boockvar

Prepping Mayfair office to hand over to Bob Brady

Painting bike lane in front of Stu’s house

Getting mani pedi with Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Nancy Pelosi

Measuring drapes for Corbett’s office

Looking at Pat Toomey’s office

Needed a haircut for the DNC.

Kathleen Kane, Democratic candidate for Attorney General

[joke about thinking Finnegan’s Wake was an actual funeral wake]

[joke about doctors]

In Scranton the obituaries are the Irish social pages.  People clip them out and put then on the refrigerator.   They often have headlines, like “101 Year Old Woman Dies Unexpectedly.” 

I took my son to an Eagles game.  We saw empty seats up front and moved up to them.  They were next to an older man.  He told us he and his wife had season tickets for years but she died a few days ago.  I asked if a family member didn’t want to come with him.  “Oh, no,” he said, “they’re at the funeral.”

George Badey, Democratic candidate for 7^th congressional district

[told “the neighborhood I grew up in was so tough” jokes – it is now in Brady’s district] 

I went to high school in South Philly.  Pat Meehan went to the Chestnut Academy.

Chris Christie is in the hospital.  He has that flesh eating bacteria.  He only has 13 years to live.

Fidel Castro’s successor will be his idiot son, Fidel W. Castro.

Bill Clinton and the Pope died but there was a mix up and Clinton went up and the Pope went down.  When the mix up was fixed and the Pope was going up and Clinton down they passed and the Pope told Clinton he was looking forward to meeting the Blessed Virgin.  Clinton said “You just missed her.”

David Freed, Republican candidate for Attorney General

Thanks to Kathleen Kane for picking up the tab.

I went to college with Cecily Tynan.

Fan of Philly sports teams [joke about the 1996 Phillies being bad team].

People say I am too close to Gov. Corbett – he wrote my jokes.  [fakes a phone call from Corbett].  “Hello, Governor?  Yes, Risa Vetri Ferman’s here – she’s sitting right next to me.  No, she still won’t run for Attorney General.

[joke about Ed Rendell telling people the statue of Billy Penn is of him]

[calls Daily News columnist John Baer a gossip columnist]

Kathy Boockvar, Democratic candidate for 8^th congressional district

I want to show that I can be funny on purpose and not just by accident.

I wanted to find a job more popular than being in congress but the TSA didn’t have any opening and Elliott Spitzer already has a co-host.  

Things more popular than congress right now:

Lawyers

Chick Fil A’s new branch at the Sea of Gaililee

Paris Hilton

Porn

The IRS

Polygamy

The idea of being abducted by aliens

The oil industry

Bank of America

BP Oil during the Gulf oil spill

John Featherman, Republican candidate for 1^st congressional district

[several jokes about being Jewish and being married to an Asian woman].  Two Chinese people had a white baby but everyone knows two Wongs don’t make a white. 

A union friend wanted to find a whorehouse where the prostitutes got to keep more of the money than the madam.  They finally found one and the union friend asked for a pretty young blonde but the proprietor said he had to take 62 year old Ethel, because of seniority rules. 

Intermission with comedian Joe Conklin who told some good jokes and did impressions of political figures.  He also gave a shout out to the girls from Club Risque and said they were the only ones there with bigger [breasts] than Bob Brady.

Congressman Pat Meehan, Republican, 7^th district

Stu thought the Variety Club was a dating service.

My opponent George Badey is a mummer.  He wants to go to Washington, wear satin pants, a feather boa and lipstick.  J. Edgar Hoover already did that.

Anthony Wiener got in trouble for sexting.  He was trying to decide whether or not to resign.  He was in, he was out, he was in, he was out, now he’s holding his own.  Bill Clinton oversaw Wiener’s wedding.   

When the scandal broke he called Clinton to apologize – for what, copyright infringement?

Three political figures were driving through Kansas and ended up in Oz.  [missed the name, possibly George W. Bush?] went looking for a heart, Joe Biden for a brain, and Bill Clinton said “Where’s Dorothy?”

There is an auction for a restaurant gift card which Emerald Capital bids more than the card is worth, then ups that bid when Stu includes a gift basket.

Dr. Manan Trivedi, Democratic candidate in 6^th district

When I ran in 2010 I spoke at this event and told a lot of jokes about being an Indian-American.  I won’t do that this year.  [fakes a telephone call and answers in stereotypic Indian accent] “Dell Technical Support.  This is … Mike …. In …. Kansas City.”  

My wife is from a very traditional family.  When they heard I wouldn’t be a full-time doctor while I am running for office they asked for three chickens back. 

Jim Gerlach and Paul Ryan work out together – they practice their Atlas Shrugged poses.

[spelling bee joke]

Unlike Todd Akin, I know when my time is up.

Special guest, comedian Steve Young tells jokes

Congressman Jim Gerlach, Republican, 6^th district, sent surrogate Kori Walter, district director.

Mitt Romney bet me $10,000 that I wouldn’t do this. 

[He told several jokes that fell flat and asked if the audience was drinking enough.  As he left the stage Stu told him you never blame the audience if your jokes don’t get a laugh, always use self-deprecating humor.]

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, Republican, 8^th district

[Fitzpatrick was taking two of his daughters to college this weekend and so wasn’t sure he would be able to attend; a surrogate, Andre [did not catch last name], was there just in case, but Fitzpatrick told his own jokes]

One night in Washington a robber held me up and said “give me all your money.”  I told him I was a congressman and he said  “In that case give me all my money.”

Is Mitt Romney here tonight?  Coming in I thought I saw a car with a dog carrier on top.”

[discusses his Irish heritage, family from county next to Limerick.  Says Limerick known for a particular kind of poem.  Tells three.  One about Paul Ryan has a line “grandma just must go.”  One about Romney being robotic but “I saw him cry when he sold his 3^rd yacht.”  The last one is about Obama and says he will be a judge on American Idol next year.]

Jim Foster, Independent candidate in 2^nd district

[Mostly talks about himself, jokes about Chaka Fattah, and says West Mt. Airy is Stepford on the Wissahickon]

Robert Mansfield, Republican candidate for 2^nd district, sends surrogate Ned Green.

[says he met Mansfield in the 1990’s on another political campaign, Mansfield was homeless then].  Says Mansfield isn’t there because he has a lot of injuries from being in Iraq and is seeing a brain specialist today.

Personal notes:  Smith, Casey, Schwartz / Deegan, Kane, Trivedi, and Boockvar did well.   I was surprised by the Republican candidates telling Romney / Paul jokes.  That seems unusual.

There were a lot of jokes / comments at Congressman Chaka Fattah's expense.  That is because two years ago he was a presenter and gave an awful, mean-spirited rant.  He wasn't there tonight.  This would have been an opportunity for him to do something self-deprecating and make a comeback but he didn't.  (Hint:  There's always the Star Trek, evil twin/ goatee trick that Community has picked up on.)

It was nice to see two women on the stage.  Maybe one of these years Congresswoman Schwartz will join us in person?  Kathleen Kane's routine had a homespun, Lake Woebegone feel to it.  Boockvar was a little edgier.

The girls from Club Risque paraded from one side of the room to the other about three times, which is the standard from the other years I've attended, but this year they were wearing clunky shoes and the sound was disruptive. 

Badey, Boockvar, and Trivedi on the Ryan Budget

This afternoon three Democratic congressional candidates held a joint press conference outside the Philadelphia Senior Center.  The topic was the Paul Ryan budget.  The candidates were George Badey, 7^th district, Kathryn Boockvar, 8^th district, and Dr. Manan Trivedi, 6^th district.  All of the campaigns released part or all of the candidate’s prepared remarks.  In addition, for those who provided only a portion of the remarks, I have supplemented with my notes on what was said.  The event was held on the sidewalk and passing traffic sometimes drowned out their comments.  As always, my notes are not intended as an exact transcript.  I apologize in advance for any errors or misconceptions and encourage interested voters to research the candidates for themselves.

Badey’s campaign provided the full text of his prepared remarks:

Thank you all for being here today.

Kathy and Manan – we share a common mission: fighting for good paying jobs and working with the middle class to rebuild the security they had which has been lost.

We’re here today because Medicare’s future is under attack.

Mitt Romney’s decision to pick Congressman Paul Ryan as his Vice Presidential candidate makes clear that he has his sights firmly set on privatizing Medicare next year – replacing the security of Medicare with a voucher that comes with no guarantee of coverage.

Ending Medicare as we know it is now the central plank of the Romney-Ryan ticket and will be the defining issue of the 2012 elections.

If Paul Ryan’s bill is signed into law by a President Romney, seniors would pay $6,400 more a year for their health care, and nearly four million seniors would be forced to pay an additional $2.2 billion for prescription drugs next year alone.

Their plan for goes furthest for those not yet at retirement. It eliminates guaranteed benefits for anyone aged 54 or younger.  As we approach 65, we rely on the security that comes with knowing you will have medical coverage in your retirement. In this economy, we need a Congress focused on building job security, not creating even more insecurity for the middle class by privatizing Medicare.

But privatizing Medicare is just what my opponent, Congressman Meehan, voted for - despite his promise in 2010 to vote against the Ryan agenda.

Mitt Romney has made his decision; now Congressman Meehan’s votes for the Ryan plan to privatize Medicare are all the more real, serious, and dangerous. This is not a hollow vote they took, but a concerted effort to end Medicare as we know it.

We must not let this happen – but we cannot stop it if we have a Congress that is also set on this reckless plan. This is a crystal clear difference between me and Congressman Meehan. He voted twice to end Medicare as we know it and force seniors to pay $6,400 more a year in premiums in order to protect subsidies for oil companies.

I'm running to protect seniors and middle class Pennsylvania families from this reckless agenda.

I look forward to letting voters choose which makes more sense.

Kathryn Boockvar spoke next.  She said this election is about a stark difference between two ideas.  Paul Ryan and Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick are working hand in hand against the interests of the middle class and families.  Even Newt Gingrich describes the Ryan budget as right wing social engineering.

Her campaign included a portion of her remarks in a pressrelease:

“Congressman Fitzpatrick twice voted for the Ryan budget, which hands Medicare over to private insurance companies and raises health care costs for seniors by over $6,000 dollars every year, while at the same time, extends tax cuts for billionaires and companies that outsource Pennsylvanian jobs overseas,” said Boockvar.  “We need representatives in Congress that will fight against the Ryan/Fitzpatrick Budget and, instead, for seniors and middle class families.”

Dr Manan Trivedi spoke last of the three.  He said it’s the middle class that makes America go and makes America strong.  Paul Ryan’s budget plan would cripple the middle class.  As a primary care doctor most of my patients are middle class.  Ryan would cut taxes on millionaires and billionaires.  Ryan and Congressman Jim Gerlach might be workout buddies but they are not working for us.  Their ideas would turn the American dream into the American nightmare.  My father came to America and worked in the backrooms of hotels and restaurants, washing dishes and cleaning toilets, because he wasn’t allowed to work out front.  The GOP has not passed a single piece of legislation to create American jobs.

His campaign included a portion of his remarks in a press release:

“As a primary care physician, I know it’s my middle-class patients who significantly rely upon Medicare and under the Romney-Ryan plan, it would be devastated,” said Trivedi. “And Rep. Paul Ryan has no better ally for his proposal to crush our economy in Pennsylvania than Jim Gerlach. They may be workout buddies in the gym but they aren’t working out for our middle-class. The American Dream starts with an American job and Paul Ryan, Jim Gerlach or the GOP leaders in Congress have done nothing to create an environment for improving employment.”