English's Backs Down From Pledge

[catbert836]

According to Pennsylvania Observer, Phil English apparently signed a pledge when he first got elected with his Republican friends that he would not exceed six terms. Well, unfortunately, he was recently elected to a sixth term. When asked whether he was going to keep his pledge, he said that he signed it on behalf of the Republican party. Wait, doesn't a pledge mean a promise? Isn't English, being the nice little representative, supposed to keep his promises? I guess not.

[hopein08]

1. Goody...

The Democrats in this district really need to find someone that can at least challenge English!

It's probably all in the wording of the pledge. Was it the Contract with America? Maybe since he signed it on behalf of the Republican Party he thinks that since he's doing so many wonderful things for his district that he should stay on FOREVER! Or maybe its that he's staying on because he's he hasn't been really challenged since what...1996 and that will certainly be on behalf of the party to keep a tally in their column.

I guess it goes with the saying that Repblicans are supposed to fall in line.

Sorry about the rant...I can't stand English.

I loved his commercials where I almost wanted to donate money to him so he could get a hard hat that fits and not look so darn silly, but then I decided that's just how he looks.

[catbert836]

2. English's Pledge: PAObserver

English Reneging on Term-Limit Pledge. In 1994, Phil English (R-3rd CD) joined the Gingrich Revolution and signed a pledge to abide by the Contract With America's six-term limit for Members of Congress. The Observer's math tells us that last month's election was English's sixth, meaning there will be an open seat in 2006. But English, like many other Republicans, is having second thoughts about his pledge. The 1994 GOP Freshman Class has been almost universally reluctant to honor their pledges, but English is being more creative than most. He claims that he signed the pledge for Republicans in general, but that it didn't necessarily apply to himself. Recent term-limit pledge breakers have fared poorly, but NW Democrats have had a difficult time finding quality candidates to run against English. If the Dems can find a good candidate, or if the Greens can convince AnnDrea Benson to run again, English could be in real trouble in 2006.

That was from the progressive Yahoo!Groups newsletter PA Observer.

Yeah, we do need someone to run against English. We need someone like Filippi, but without the scandal and lack of support. But its a start.

[hopein08]

3. Do you know of anybody?

I'm only 23 and this was the first election that I've volunteered in (but the third that I've voted in) so I don't know much about the inner circles of the Erie Democrats. I'm trying to get to know more slowly but surely. I do know that Ian Murray (the guy from Erie City Council) is on the DNC and will vote for the new head of the DNC. I hope you don't mind be pestering you with all of these questions! So sorry!

[catbert836]

4. Maybe...

I doubt a councilman will run; they want Filippi's seat.

Problem with Erie is, there are no politicians.

It'll be a businessman, lots of business power, maybe a lawyer, someone from the private sector

[Freddie Stubbs]

5. "You can't beat somebody with nobody"

Not sure who said this but it certainly applies here. I'm not too sure that this district is winnable anymore. English had a close call back in 1996, but since then Democrats have been unable to recruit a serious challenger. Plus more conservative rural voters were added to the district since then.

A few years ago Filippi seemed like he had the potential to be the guy to take on English. He is finished politically for obvious reasons.

[catbert836]

6. I wonder if maybe

AnnDrea Benson (English's Green challenger from 2002) would run as a Democrat? Maybe that would finsh him off.
Phil English is a disgusting slimeball who wins by giving lip service to Democratic policies and then doing whatever the Republican leadership wants him to do. If he dosn't lose the next election, he's going to die of a heart attack while in office.

[hopein08]

10. Good one!

First, I loved Benson's signs from 2002. I think she could challenge him as a Democrat.

Second, good one about the heart attack! I knew people at school who did internships in his office and I guess his wife is a complete airhead. I actually met English at Capitol Hill. Not one of my happiest memories from my D.C. trip.

[rabid_nerd]

7. I would be a better candidate than who you had...

I'm an Erie Native and Live in PA... That's all you need to run...

I have connections up there...

I considered running up there cause you didn't have a candidate for a while...

(You don't even need to live in the district to run)...

(BTW - Tom Ridge was a friend of my Dad's, my Dad founded H&R Block in Erie (Same name as me - and he was on TV in the 60's) and also I had Bob Casey down here for a picnic recently..)...

I'm up there frequently in Erie, Corry, I grew up there, have lots of family all over there, and my dad was friends with Tullio, Bagnoni, and I even worked on that special election in Millcreek a year or two ago...

[catbert836]

8. Awesome. Will you do it?

You're probably better than anyone else who would run.

[Joy Anne]

9. Your dad's name--

is Rabid Nerd? <g>

Sorry, I couldn't resist. And go for it!

[hopein08]

11. Run as a Democrat and I'll vote for you...

We just need something!