In a statement issued to the press this morning . . . . .
“Democrats now control the White House, oversized majorities in both houses of Congress, the Governor’s mansion, and the State House, and they seek to complete their dominance by taking control of the State Senate.
If recent elections have taught us anything, it’s that the voters are hungry for candidates who hail from outside the political class, with whom they can identify, who they believe understand the challenges they face, and who are disconnected from the failed economic policies of Governor Rendell.
As a middle-class mother who grew up on a farm and works full-time to make ends meet for my family, I will speak credibly and articulately to the issues affecting the hardworking people of our region: the economy, taxes, and health care.
If Republicans are to retain Sen. Rhoades’ seat and regain the taxpayers’ trust, then we must turn the page from overspending, tax increases, and scandal – and put forth a new, energetic leader committed to the principles upon which America – and our Party – we’re founded: 1) limited and ethical government; 2) low taxes; and 3) personal responsibility.
To this end, I officially declare my candidacy for the vacant 29th Senate District seat.”
Gretchen D. Sterns
16 Comments
November 13, 2008 at 10:21 am
Twenty four years of representation by a career politician only interested in his own advancement is enough. It is refreshing to see someone who actually holds a real job run for the seat. Gretchen is an intelligent, competent and able professional with strong conservative values. Good Luck, Gretchen.
November 13, 2008 at 11:26 am
Good for her. But I would like to respectfully disagree with the first comment concerning the late Senator Rhoades. He was an educator first, committed to bettering the lot of the generations after him. I didn’t agree with some of his positions, but I think overall he served his constituents well.
November 13, 2008 at 12:21 pm
[...] (tip to Clarke Report) [...]
November 13, 2008 at 1:02 pm
The first comment was directed to Gretchen Stern’s announced opponent.
November 13, 2008 at 2:04 pm
[...] Gretchen Sterns Officially Enters 29th Senate Seat Race… [...]
November 13, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Excuse me Mr. Picciano, I believe you are referring to Dave Argall. Yes he has been in service for 24 years he has served his constituents well, Jim Rhoades respected Dave and his dedication to his constituents. Mr. Argall has consistently been the only politician who has kept his constiutents in the loop so to speak. I regually receive questionaires from his office asking my position on issues. To simply say he has been there long enough as an explantion to vote for someone else when this county just re-elected Tim Holden who has been in office for 16 years as well, seems more than biased. I know and like Mrs. Sterns but I do not feel years of service to your constituients automatically disqualifies you from future service or should be actually be considered when selecting a candidate. That seems to be a closed mined attituded especially if the candidate has done a great job for the voters.
November 13, 2008 at 5:08 pm
We need someone who knows how to get things done without having to sell his soul to do so, like voting to increase taxes to get money for the district. Jim Rhoades never once voted for a tax increase, and yet he brought back a helluva lot more money to the county than Argall has. Jim didn’t vote for half the crap Argall has, and still got his agenda achieved and brought home money and projects for the district. That was true leadership. Argall cuts deals with Democrats and corrupt politicians in order to achieve half of what Jim Rhoades achieved by being a good Republican. The greatest tragedy of Jim’s death would be if Argall takes his place. Dave should use that phd to be a professor, which is what he is cut out for.
November 13, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Dante, I accept your explanation, please understand that in your context it appeared you were refering to Sen. Rhoades. Now as for Argall, his role in the payjacking is not to be forgotten. On that I agree, he is a lifelong bureaucrat, and needs to go.
November 14, 2008 at 3:05 am
This is all just a waste of time. The party (Schuylkill, Lehigh, Northampton, etc.) will not support Sterns. It has already been discussed….
November 14, 2008 at 11:00 am
I seem to remember Jim Rhoades accepting the pay raise as well as Argall. Dave Argall regretted that move and made amends for it. Clearly as demonstrated buy his recent vote totals the voters have moved forward and for the sake of this party I would suggest that you do also.
November 14, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Making amends is absolutely not the same as returning the pay raise. Actually its worse.
November 14, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Arthur,
The voters in two strait elections seem to disagree with you. This time he won 70% to 30%. Even Tim Holden doesn’t win by that much.
November 14, 2008 at 4:05 pm
I would just like to say that I have worked with Gretchen in the past. She maintained a high level of professionalism and worked extremely hard. It’s about time we vote for someone who is outside of the typical political machine. She will be the new ethical voice of the Republican Party.
November 15, 2008 at 11:09 am
Lukach is beloved and has no baggage. Some of Argall’s own key supporters vote for Lukach. The Republicans advertise for Lukach in their dinner programs!! Lukach will eat Argall’s lunch because he has no baggage. Lukach vs Argall is a bad mismatch for Republicans. Hobbs or Sterns would be much stronger. If our candidate has the kind of baggage Argall has, we lose to Lukach, it’s that simple. We gotta choose with our heads and not our hearts. That’s what the Democrats have been doing with their candidate selection, and that’s why we’ve been getting smoked. Notice the Democrats didn’t nominate people who were ahead of Lukach in the pecking order. They chose quality over seniority, which is what we need to do, or WE WILL LOSE AND LOSE ROYALLY.
November 18, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Five Points, I can not even respond I do not know Lucash oops I mean Lukach no one knows this guy so like are you kidding me. Also Arthur, Rep Argall did return the pay raise while Senator Rhoades stated he did not want to return it. Thse are the facts your opinions of Argall are yours certainly but you facts are not!
November 23, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Let’s Be Truthful
Dave Argall didn’t return the pay raise–he donated the part he received ($7000 in unvouchered expenses) to the United Way. He claimed this on his federal taxes and took a deduction for it.
Senator Rhoades was returning the pay raise in installments.