Carney reaches out to Republican voters

CLARKS SUMMIT — Facing a Republican-leaning electorate this fall, Rep. Chris Carney, D-Dimock Township, did his best Monday to establish himself as a “bipartisan politician,” kicking off “Republicans for Carney,” during a news conference at his campaign headquarters.

At least 24 of the more than 30 registered Republicans, who say they will support Mr. Carney against Republican Chris Hackett, attended the event, many taking turns to speak in support of Mr. Carney’s work in Congress.

“We won’t improve this country until we end the partisanship that has plagued us,” Mr. Carney said speaking to a small group of reporters and campaign staff Monday.

Mr. Hackett, through his spokesman, said the list of Carney supporters is not representative of Republicans in the district.

“A list of two dozen Republicans isn’t much of a showing, even for a political gimmick like this,” Hackett spokesman Mark Harris said. “When voters compare Carney’s liberal record with Hackett’s conservative positions, we’re confident that a large majority of Republicans and independents, and some conservative Democrats will be with us.”

Still, Republicans make up about 49 percent of the registered voters in the 10th District compared to the about 40 percent, who are Democrats, according to the state Bureau of Elections. Mr. Carney beat longtime Republican incumbent Don Sherwood in 2006 with nearly 53 percent of the vote, in part because of scandal that surrounded Mr. Sherwood.

Mr. Hackett beat Dan Meuser with more than 52 percent of the vote in a tough Republican primary that drew criticism for its negativity. Since his victory, Mr. Hackett has said he successfully reached out to Republicans to solidify his base for the fall.

All of the Republicans who attended Monday’s event said they support Mr. Carney for his “positions” or “values.” Many said they voted for the Dimock Township Democrat in 2006. But, at least one, Tom O’Neil, of Northmoreland, said he couldn’t support Mr. Hackett after his “negative” and “outrageous” primary campaign. Mr. O’Neil, a former two-term city councilman in McKeesport, helped campaign for Mr. Meuser in the primary.

“Mr. Hackett, you’re as much a conservative as Britney Spears is a model for motherhood,” Mr. O’Neil said.

Contact the writer: cjones@citizensvoice.com