Rendell vs. Ridge in PA?

[danwxman]

It would be an interesting match. Rendell would probably still win though.

Won't happen. Ridge seems doesn't seem to aspire executive positions.

[danwxman]

It would be an interesting match. Rendell would probably still win though.

Won't happen. Ridge seems doesn't seem to aspire executive positions.

Ok while I agree that Ridge probably won't run I would like to strongly disagree with the idea that Rendell could beat Ridge. Ridge was one of the most popular Governors in PA history. I'd love to hear this theory on how Rendell would win...

It seems to me that there are still a few Dems that think this is the Rendell from 2002.

Why wasn't Ridge campaigning for Bush in PA? He wasn't that popular.....and let's not forget that Bush lost PA. Ridge is now tied with Bush...he couldn't win the state. It would also be too hard to overwhelm Rendell's support in the Southeast.

Ridge was an ok governor, he was pretty environmentally friendly...but he did nothing for the state. He left PA with the worst economy ever...he started a few economic development programs but never applied them and they were severely underfunded. Rendell is the only one to actually *do* something. Check out the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, job growth is finally starting to happen in Western PA from some of the same companies Rendell has been working with.

[danwxman]

It would be an interesting match. Rendell would probably still win though.

Won't happen. Ridge seems doesn't seem to aspire executive positions.

Ok while I agree that Ridge probably won't run I would like to strongly disagree with the idea that Rendell could beat Ridge. Ridge was one of the most popular Governors in PA history. I'd love to hear this theory on how Rendell would win...

It seems to me that there are still a few Dems that think this is the Rendell from 2002.

Why wasn't Ridge campaigning for Bush in PA? He wasn't that popular.....and let's not forget that Bush lost PA. Ridge is now tied with Bush...he couldn't win the state. It would also be too hard to overwhelm Rendell's support in the Southeast.

Ridge was an ok governor, he was pretty environmentally friendly...but he did nothing for the state. He left PA with the worst economy ever...he started a few economic development programs but never applied them and they were severely underfunded. Rendell is the only one to actually *do* something. Check out the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, job growth is finally starting to happen in Western PA from some of the same companies Rendell has been working with.

Bush lost PA. Ok? What does that have to do with Ridge? As for Ridge being "tied to Bush" that's not so bad in PA. Kerry - 51  Bush - 49. Close race. Add the fact that many conservative Dems who voted for Kerry will probably vote against Rendell and you have a Ridge victory.

As for Ridge "doing nothing for the state," I wonder how he was re-elected with 58% of the vote. I'm guessing if he did that well, he had to do something. His approval ratings also reached about 65% in his first term.

And Rendell...yeah he's "doing something." Great Eagles analysis, Governor.

PA favors incumbents, not a surprise. Bush did better but do you think those people would all come out to support Ridge? No. Those union Democrats that swinged the state towards Bush would vote Rendell.

[danwxman]

It would be an interesting match. Rendell would probably still win though.

Won't happen. Ridge seems doesn't seem to aspire executive positions.

Ok while I agree that Ridge probably won't run I would like to strongly disagree with the idea that Rendell could beat Ridge. Ridge was one of the most popular Governors in PA history. I'd love to hear this theory on how Rendell would win...

It seems to me that there are still a few Dems that think this is the Rendell from 2002.

Why wasn't Ridge campaigning for Bush in PA? He wasn't that popular.....and let's not forget that Bush lost PA. Ridge is now tied with Bush...he couldn't win the state. It would also be too hard to overwhelm Rendell's support in the Southeast.

Ridge was an ok governor, he was pretty environmentally friendly...but he did nothing for the state. He left PA with the worst economy ever...he started a few economic development programs but never applied them and they were severely underfunded. Rendell is the only one to actually *do* something. Check out the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, job growth is finally starting to happen in Western PA from some of the same companies Rendell has been working with.

Bush lost PA. Ok? What does that have to do with Ridge? As for Ridge being "tied to Bush" that's not so bad in PA. Kerry - 51  Bush - 49. Close race. Add the fact that many conservative Dems who voted for Kerry will probably vote against Rendell and you have a Ridge victory.

As for Ridge "doing nothing for the state," I wonder how he was re-elected with 58% of the vote. I'm guessing if he did that well, he had to do something. His approval ratings also reached about 65% in his first term.

And Rendell...yeah he's "doing something." Great Eagles analysis, Governor.

 No. Those union Democrats that swinged the state towards Bush would vote Rendell.

Many Democrats are not happy with Rendell.

Many Republicans are happy with Rendell.

[danwxman]

It would be an interesting match. Rendell would probably still win though.

Won't happen. Ridge seems doesn't seem to aspire executive positions.

Ok while I agree that Ridge probably won't run I would like to strongly disagree with the idea that Rendell could beat Ridge. Ridge was one of the most popular Governors in PA history. I'd love to hear this theory on how Rendell would win...

It seems to me that there are still a few Dems that think this is the Rendell from 2002.

Why wasn't Ridge campaigning for Bush in PA? He wasn't that popular.....and let's not forget that Bush lost PA. Ridge is now tied with Bush...he couldn't win the state. It would also be too hard to overwhelm Rendell's support in the Southeast.

Ridge was an ok governor, he was pretty environmentally friendly...but he did nothing for the state. He left PA with the worst economy ever...he started a few economic development programs but never applied them and they were severely underfunded. Rendell is the only one to actually *do* something. Check out the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, job growth is finally starting to happen in Western PA from some of the same companies Rendell has been working with.

Bush lost PA. Ok? What does that have to do with Ridge? As for Ridge being "tied to Bush" that's not so bad in PA. Kerry - 51  Bush - 49. Close race. Add the fact that many conservative Dems who voted for Kerry will probably vote against Rendell and you have a Ridge victory.

As for Ridge "doing nothing for the state," I wonder how he was re-elected with 58% of the vote. I'm guessing if he did that well, he had to do something. His approval ratings also reached about 65% in his first term.

And Rendell...yeah he's "doing something." Great Eagles analysis, Governor.

 No. Those union Democrats that swinged the state towards Bush would vote Rendell.

Many Democrats are not happy with Rendell.

Many Republicans are happy with Rendell.

I don't think so. The Rendell Republicans are fading.

Southeast PA will pull it out for Rendell just like they did for Kerry. Sorry.

[danwxman]

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I hope SE PA Dems think exactly how you think. You guys want to continue to think Rendell is the popular guy he once was. I urge you to continue that thought. Rendell won't do as well as Kerry did in SE PA.

But let's just say he does. Let's say you have everything going in your favor. Let's say you have the high turnout that you had this election. Now here's what I say: Rendell would lose.

Kerry - 51%   Bush - 49%   That's with Kerry's strong showing in SE PA, too. That makes it a two point race.

All that is needed: a relatively strong Republican candidate. No Piccola, no Scranton. They can't raise the money. They aren't good choices for Republicans. Put up someone like Hart who could get western PA to solidly vote against Rendell. Or put up Toomey who, whether you like it or not, could take the Lehigh Valley. Maybe Schweiker? He can put up a strong challenge in Bucks county (where he is from and a county where Rendell won by almost 30%).

Sorry PA Dems but this isn't a wrapped up race. Rendell will have a good challenge.

Keep up the hope! It's just not going to happen. Every Pennsylvania Governor has been re-elected since the law was changed to allow it. The fact is the Republicans aren't going to put a decent challenge because they know the odds are stacked way against them.

[danwxman]

lol, I've said many times that Rendell isn't unbeatable...I just don't think the Republicans are going to put much into running a decent candidate since they know the odds are against them winning. That's exactly why you are seeing Hart and Toomey stay out of this.

[danwxman]

lol, I've said many times that Rendell isn't unbeatable...I just don't think the Republicans are going to put much into running a decent candidate since they know the odds are against them winning. That's exactly why you are seeing Hart and Toomey stay out of this.

If Rendell is not unbeatable, who could beat him? Are you saying that Hart or Toomey can defeat him?

I've already given my predictions on another thread, remember? I think Hart could come pretty close.

[danwxman]

lol, I've said many times that Rendell isn't unbeatable...I just don't think the Republicans are going to put much into running a decent candidate since they know the odds are against them winning. That's exactly why you are seeing Hart and Toomey stay out of this.

If Rendell is not unbeatable, who could beat him? Are you saying that Hart or Toomey can defeat him?

I've already given my predictions on another thread, remember? I think Hart could come pretty close.

My question was if Rendell is not unbeatable, who could beat him? Not who can come close. Can you think of anyone that can beat him?

You take everything I say wayyyyy too literally. Obviously Hart could come close and *could* beat him, but I don't think she would. Is it possible? Yes.

[danwxman]

It would be an interesting match. Rendell would probably still win though.

Won't happen. Ridge seems doesn't seem to aspire executive positions.

Ok while I agree that Ridge probably won't run I would like to strongly disagree with the idea that Rendell could beat Ridge. Ridge was one of the most popular Governors in PA history. I'd love to hear this theory on how Rendell would win...

It seems to me that there are still a few Dems that think this is the Rendell from 2002.

Why wasn't Ridge campaigning for Bush in PA? He wasn't that popular.....and let's not forget that Bush lost PA. Ridge is now tied with Bush...he couldn't win the state. It would also be too hard to overwhelm Rendell's support in the Southeast.

Ridge was an ok governor, he was pretty environmentally friendly...but he did nothing for the state. He left PA with the worst economy ever...he started a few economic development programs but never applied them and they were severely underfunded. Rendell is the only one to actually *do* something. Check out the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, job growth is finally starting to happen in Western PA from some of the same companies Rendell has been working with.

What are you talking about?

Ridge did campaign for Bush here in 2000.  In 2004, he was too damn busy doing things more important than campaigning.

At anyrate, jobs have been on the rise since 2000.  The Post-Gazette is a rag.  At least the Tribune-Review puts other points of view on its opinion page.  The Post-Gazette is just one DNC talking point after another.

Ridge was the one who started the innitiative to imporve Western PA (after Casey had successfully wheened it off of heavy manufacturing).  What the Hell has Rendell done in just two years.  Seriously, you are redoucing your point of view to a joke if you think that Rendell has anything to do with the revitalization of the Western PA economy.

The PPG is a DNC rag? LOL...

Anyway, it's amazing a what a quick google search will get you...from August 14..

Gov. Ed Rendell and Dennis Yablonsky, the community and economic development secretary, have distributed more than $43 million in economic development grants across Western Pennsylvania over the last three days, including a $12 million package in Washington County on Monday.

 
Beginning Aug. 14, Mr. Rendell, a Democrat, and Mr. Yablonsky, who formerly served as chief executive of the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, distributed $12 million in grants for development projects in Mercer County, $5.5 million for efforts in Butler County, and $3.5 million for projects in Fayette County, among others.

In Washington County, the majority of the grant money included $9 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds for The Crossroads Project, which is part of a 14-block revitalization program in the city of Washington.

The $100 million Crossroads Project will focus on two blocks and include new office space, two parking garages, an 80-room hotel, entertainment venues and street-level retail space. When completed, the project is expected to create around 1,200 jobs in downtown Washington.

The grants announced Monday included $1 million for redevelopment of the Western Center site adjacent to the Southpointe industrial park in Washington County. The Western Center project, which has come to be known as Southpointe II, is expected to generate more than $150 million in private investment and ultimately create more than 7,500 jobs.



And this from March:

On Monday, March 22, 2004, U. S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman and Governor Ed Rendell met at the Richard McElhancy farm in Hookstown, Beaver County, to announce that $146 million would now become available to help western Pennsylvania farmers and improve Pennsylvania's water quality. The far-reaching impact of this important work will extend to the Gulf of Mexico.


Not to mention countless economic revitalization projects and grants all over the state. This is exactly what Ridge didn't do.

[danwxman]

It would be an interesting match. Rendell would probably still win though.

Won't happen. Ridge seems doesn't seem to aspire executive positions.

Ok while I agree that Ridge probably won't run I would like to strongly disagree with the idea that Rendell could beat Ridge. Ridge was one of the most popular Governors in PA history. I'd love to hear this theory on how Rendell would win...

It seems to me that there are still a few Dems that think this is the Rendell from 2002.

Why wasn't Ridge campaigning for Bush in PA? He wasn't that popular.....and let's not forget that Bush lost PA. Ridge is now tied with Bush...he couldn't win the state. It would also be too hard to overwhelm Rendell's support in the Southeast.

Ridge was an ok governor, he was pretty environmentally friendly...but he did nothing for the state. He left PA with the worst economy ever...he started a few economic development programs but never applied them and they were severely underfunded. Rendell is the only one to actually *do* something. Check out the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, job growth is finally starting to happen in Western PA from some of the same companies Rendell has been working with.

What are you talking about?

Ridge did campaign for Bush here in 2000.  In 2004, he was too damn busy doing things more important than campaigning.

At anyrate, jobs have been on the rise since 2000.  The Post-Gazette is a rag.  At least the Tribune-Review puts other points of view on its opinion page.  The Post-Gazette is just one DNC talking point after another.

Ridge was the one who started the innitiative to imporve Western PA (after Casey had successfully wheened it off of heavy manufacturing).  What the Hell has Rendell done in just two years.  Seriously, you are redoucing your point of view to a joke if you think that Rendell has anything to do with the revitalization of the Western PA economy.

The PPG is a DNC rag? LOL...

Anyway, it's amazing a what a quick google search will get you...from August 14..

Gov. Ed Rendell and Dennis Yablonsky, the community and economic development secretary, have distributed more than $43 million in economic development grants across Western Pennsylvania over the last three days, including a $12 million package in Washington County on Monday.

 
Beginning Aug. 14, Mr. Rendell, a Democrat, and Mr. Yablonsky, who formerly served as chief executive of the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, distributed $12 million in grants for development projects in Mercer County, $5.5 million for efforts in Butler County, and $3.5 million for projects in Fayette County, among others.

In Washington County, the majority of the grant money included $9 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds for The Crossroads Project, which is part of a 14-block revitalization program in the city of Washington.

The $100 million Crossroads Project will focus on two blocks and include new office space, two parking garages, an 80-room hotel, entertainment venues and street-level retail space. When completed, the project is expected to create around 1,200 jobs in downtown Washington.

The grants announced Monday included $1 million for redevelopment of the Western Center site adjacent to the Southpointe industrial park in Washington County. The Western Center project, which has come to be known as Southpointe II, is expected to generate more than $150 million in private investment and ultimately create more than 7,500 jobs.



And this from March:

On Monday, March 22, 2004, U. S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman and Governor Ed Rendell met at the Richard McElhancy farm in Hookstown, Beaver County, to announce that $146 million would now become available to help western Pennsylvania farmers and improve Pennsylvania's water quality. The far-reaching impact of this important work will extend to the Gulf of Mexico.


Not to mention countless economic revitalization projects and grants all over the state. This is exactly what Ridge didn't do.

Ummmmm... I know for a fact that Ridge spent a lot of money on Western Pa.  Among many other projects he gave a grant to restore downtown Erie, Sharon and Meadville.  So don't try to tell me that it didn't happen.  I live here.

So what, Rendell gave us some table scrapes from the great eastern PA pork banquet.  Do you mean to tell me that in just one year that has lead to economic development?

Yup. I need to dig the article out of the Valley Independent, but Rendell did single-handedly bring a new plant that builds manufactured houses to Monessen in the Westmoreland Industrial Park that will create 100 jobs. Groundbreaking was a few months ago.