PA 13

[TeePee4Prez]

Ahh.  Now I got competition from my own district.  Welcome aboard guys!  Yes, I'll agree with you that Melissa Brown was the best Republican in the field.  I supported Torsella in the primary because I thought Schwartz is too liberal.  He would pull away a little more than Schwartz in Northeast Philly.  Guess what... before you think Brown is a shoo-in here are enough people here that think Bush is lousy and Brown is pretty adamant about Bush's boneheaded policies.  Plus there are a lot of union memebrs in the district and suburban liberals.  I think it will be a close one!  Please remember that this is 2004, not post-9/11 2002.  Schwartz should have the advantage on Bush's policies.  I'll admit Brown is getting a lot of undue popularity on Section 8.  I too am a strong supporter of Section 8 reform, but I don't agree with Brown on much else thereafter.  The campaign hasn't even got started yet.  The ride will be bumpy... BUCKLE UP!!!  Oh and btw, do you remember that Keystone Poll done on the 13th a while back on Bush's approval:

Economy: 28%
War 41%

Section 8 can be de-bunked very easily and the Dems have the resoucres to do it.  Please guys (TeenGOP and Keystone Phil), I understand where your coming from and I'm sure some of our views overlap considering how close we live to each other.  I kinda thought like you guys at one time myself, but these past 4 years got me thinking outside the box.  Take all of the issues into consideration before jumping the gun and going gung-ho GOP.  I just got out of college with a decent GPA and the job market stinks.  Having taken economics and Accounting, I feel Bush's tax cuts do not benefit Northeast Philly at all and in fact hurt us and benefit the very wealthy.      
 

[TeePee4Prez]

I can see his reason for supporting Hoeffel. (I guess thats what he's doing...?) Many conservatives are so enraged by yet another Specter win. We took it hard. Conservatives don't want to see him chair the Judiciary (myself being one of them) but we conservatives CANNOT throw our support behind Joe Hoeffel. Believe me, I know his record and it could be considered (when looking at a number of votes) Far left.

As for the many in my picture, he is one of my favorites in politics. However, I don't applaud his support of Senator Specter but that's a whole different story.

I agree with you that the last thing Pennsylania needs is Hoeffel/Hafer and I'll say it now that Pennsylvania won't be electing either of them to the U.S. Senate.

I like Joe Hoeffel.  I think he was great on Section 8 housing.  He tore into the PHA for us in Northeast Philly.  Plus he tore into Bush and actually represents us.  Melissa Brown is canniving and deceitful- I don't trust her!  She tried to have us believe that if Hoeffel got elected, him and Street would open the gates of Section 8 and drown the Northeast downhill.  Has that happened??  Not as a result of them.  I woudl pressure the PHA rather than vote Brown.  Housing prices have skyrocketed.  I find Northeast Philadelphians like you (you sound like you're from here) are shooting themselves in the foot because they're a little ticked at City Hall so they give red carpet treatment to neoconservatives because they're scared sh!tless over a black person moving into their neighborhood.  You're young and once your in the real world and know how the economy and politics really work, you'll think Brown is a deceitful c**nt out for her and her millionaire doctor and big oil buddies.  Some of us are waking up here.  

Melissa Brown's spike in popularity proves this- the Democrats have to get better organized.  If there were a better Democaritc mayor than Street, the neo-cons would have much more trouble here than they are.  Look at the primary results from Northeast Philly:  Dem turnout was 23,000... Rep turnout was 15,000 and this is considering a heated Republican Senate primary which most voted Specter!  I'm sure that tells you something.  I know there are neo-cons in Northeast Philly, but you are still few and far between.  Brown will be close, but she is not going to win in the end.  In fact Schwartz will widen the margin over Hoeffel.        

[TeePee4Prez]

I highly doubt Schwartz will win. Highly doubt it. Once her record is out people will realize just how far left she is. Voters in PA13 know Melissa Brown better than most candidates. They know her views and like her positions.

As for Hoeffel, what has he done with Section 8? He is no where close to Melissa Brown when it comes to leadership on the issue.

As for the comment about having a black person move into a neighborhood and that's what people up here are afraid of...that is just ridiculous. Section 8 has members of both races and your race doesn't have to do with why its a problem. People see the problems with it and want it fixed. They want someone that will actually fight for their neighborhood rather than "talk" about doing it.

In the end, Schwartz will lose...by a pretty comfortable margin. I'm not calling for a 60%-40% Brown win but maybe a 53%-47% victory. On Nov. 2nd voters will see that Melissa Brown has been the real fighter for PA13 over the years.

I see problems with Section 8 as well and want it fixed too.  What has Melissa Brown done?  And if she were just a little less gung-ho about Bush/Reaganomics and less deceitful, I may have actually voted for her.  But I'm not.  The Unions and trial lawyers will be out full throttle to keep the seat in Democratic hands.  If you have read some of the letters in the Northeast Times, Melissa Brown is receiving praise, but also the same amount of grief.  As for Joe Hoeffel on Section 8 there is an excellent article in the Northeast Times farther back that outlines what he has done on Section 8.  I'll give you that link later when I have more time.  And what makes you think Brown will get the seat this time and not 2002?  Remember 2002 was hot off 9/11 and Bush's popularity was sizzling.  Bush's approval rating in the PA-13 district last checked was a dismal 39%.  Being that I watch the Flyers a lot, here are the keys to the game:

Schwartz:

1. Pound Bush HARD on the economy
         

[TeePee4Prez]

Thats the thing...it voted 56% for a democrat against a conservative republican...

Brown is not as conservative as Bush...plus she's local...

This is a district the GOP drew up so they could win (the boundaries are different from 00), they took some more moderate democratic areas and added them to the 8th (Greenwood is probably the safest republican in the state) and gerrymandered some more liberal areas into the already democratic philly districts...

But those kids and that dog keep foiling them every time.

I agree with you that Brown isn't as conservative as Bush.  On pro-choice and most social issues, she's as good as a Democrat.  On Section 8 where she is conservative, I agree with her minus the fact of how she went about it.  If she went about Section 8 better and was less gung-ho about Bush, she may have actually got my vote.  I think she will have more trouble winning over the Northeast than she did last time because of Bush's failed economic polices and Iraq.  Melissa Brown is an unapologetic supporter of him and that's making me very uneasy about senfing her to Congress.  I want a representarive like Hoeffel, not another Bush lackey.  The economy in Northeast Philadelphia stinks and tax breaks for the wealthy don't exactly go over too well.  I swear a good portion of the economy are government workers and union tradesmen.  Mr. Young Republican, these people know who's buttering their bread!  On and the dude that said Hoeffel wasn't good on Section 8, here's a link:

http://www.northeasttimes.com/2003/0226/sectioneight.html

I'll now finish with key to the game:

Schwartz:

1. Extentuate legislative accomplishments
2. Pound Brown HARD and peg her to Bush
3. Show commericals that show Schwartz with blue collar support
4. Rendell needs to go to bat for her

Brown:

1. Section 8
2. Section 8
3. Section 8
4. And then???

[TeePee4Prez]

As for the comment about having a black person move into a neighborhood and that's what people up here are afraid of...that is just ridiculous. Section 8 has members of both races and your race doesn't have to do with why its a problem. People see the problems with it and want it fixed. They want someone that will actually fight for their neighborhood rather than "talk" about doing it.

Actually, if you been to enough bars you'll find that Joe Sixpack from the Northeast generally views the Section 8 program as black.  I think it's wrong, but I know how these people think.  The fact that Melissa Brown pegged Hoeffel to Street in 2002 scored her points bigtime, yet was incredibly wrong.  I know whites are on the Section 8 program in some neighborhoods like Kensington, port Richmond, and Bridesburg, but the media wants to hide that fact.  I proud of you for being smart enough to realize this especially for ebing such a young guy.  Melissa Brown is playing to racial fears to get votes - I KNOW IT!!  It's high time Joe Sixpack from Mayfair or wherever has to start waking up to this fact and start sending the neoconservative @ssholes packing, not rolling out the red carpet because they dislike Street.    

[TeePee4Prez]

Well I was at the Bush Cheney rally in Ft. Washington where I heard our GREAT First Lady Laura Bush and PA13's next Congresswoman Melissa Brown speak so I wasn't able to respond to these posts earlier today.

1) Melissa Brown is not "as good as a Democrat" on social issues. Yes, she's pro choice and I don't agree with her on that but she is in no way as good as a Dem.

2) Melissa Brown's only issue isn't Section 8. She is focusing on Medical Maplpractice, tort reform, tax cuts too.

3) You won't be keeping this seat. Trust me. Scwartz  = WAY TOO LIBERAL for PA13. That's it. Plus, the voters know Melissa Brown and like her positions.

4) Hoeffel isn't a leader on Section 8. Wanna know why? More and more section 8 keeps appearing in the Northeast.

5) Handzus26 mentions that Schwartz needs "blue collar support" Well Melissa Brown possibly getting the Teamsters endorsement doesn't help her in that area.

Schwartz has a laundry list of unions backing her.  At the moment Brown has NONE!!  I doubt the Teamsters will be backing Brown.  Schwartz already has the Steamfitters, the Carpenters, the Electricians.  Trust me, Rendell, Saidel, Fumo, Dougherty, Tartaglione, and Co. will make sure she gets this seat.  As for medical malpractice, do you think a lot of people here side with the rich @ss doctors?? Come on!  It's the insurance companies that make bad investment decisions are the real reason for the problem.  Section 8 may be a federally funded program, but a lot of the decisions are made by the PHA.     I agree with you that there should be reform on those issues.  I am also pro-choice, but against partial-birth abortion.  However, the tax cuts and "medical malpractice reform", which is more of an attack on patients, does not sit well with me.  As I have said before, I was pushing for Joe Torsella for this seat because I felt he had a better understanding of all the issues than Schwartz.  Had Torsella won the nomination, this seat would not even be competitive for the GOP at all!    

Melissa Brown is an utter joke and a Bush whore.  The people of this district, though vehemently against Section 8, will see right through this.  And by the way, why do you think Hoeffel won in 2002?  Hmm.  Like I said before this was post-9/11 and this was when Bush was sizzling in approval ratings.  I should also add the Bush's approval ratings in PA-13 are about 8-10% below the national average.  I know I'm not the only one here that thinks the Iraq War was dead wrong and the Bush tax cuts are skewed in favor of the rich.  Read the Northeast Times and some of the letters wirtten by various people to the editor.      

[TeePee4Prez]

2002

Hoeffel (D) - 51%
Brown (R) - 47%
McDermott (C) - 2%

Allyson Schwartz - a far left liberal who MOVED INTO the district. She doesn't know the district or the people nearly as well as Melissa Brown. You can say that people here really dislike Bush and that is what will prevent Brown from doing well but look at '02. Rendell won this district by a HUGE margin and yet Brown was able to come within 4 points.

And if Joe Torsella was in the race it would still be a competitive because voters know Brown better. It would be a tougher race, I'll admit, but certainly still competitive.

Ok, Melissa Brown was from where??? Tennessee.  What college did she go to??? Keuka.  Who the f--k has ever heard of Keuka?  Schwartz grew up close enough to the district to know it.  Melissa Brown hit on a hot button issue a the right time and most people weren't even fathoming how bad Bush is.  Hoeffel STILL won.  Different story now.  I'll admit 4 years ago I would have voted for Brown, but now that I realize her unabashed support of Bush's boneheaded policies, I backed off very quick.  And I don't think Schwartz is that far to the left.  She will definitely move to the center and I think she knows she has to.  Melissa Brown got a hot tip from probably John Perzel and took off with it at the last minute.  Schwartz/Doc/Fumo and Co. have a lot of time to deflate it.  If the election were held today, I'd give Brown a SLIGHT lead.  Brown can only go down at this point.  

[TeePee4Prez]

Hopefully, Section 8 reform will fall flat. I have faith that there will be enough fair minded voters in PA-13 to counterbalance racist pandering on the part of Ms. Brown.

Migrendel-  This is a perfect example of why the Democratic party needs to include economics.  If not for economics, I would actually vote Brown.  I'll have to agree with my Young Republican buddies here that Section 8 is grossly mismanaged as has ruined a lot of neighborhoods.

Keystone Phil-  Ms. Brown is going to have to explain her unabashed support of Bush at some point.  You know Schwartz will capitalize in it.  If not Section 8, what else does she really have as a Trunp Card.  Brown's trump card was Section 8 housing and don't you think the Democratic machines will be cranking a lot of OT to try to burn it?  Schwartz knows the enemy and what tricks she's going to pull out of her sleeve.  Hey, as I have said before I agree with you on Sec. 8 as I have seen my dad's parents neighborhood (Kensington) go down and my old one Northwood).  But if you think for one minute it's going to switch my vote for that unapologetic Bush lover, you are sadly mistaken!      

[TeePee4Prez]

Brown grew up in Tennesse but spent her adult life and raised her family in PA. Are you actually going to make fun of the college the woman went to? That's really childish. It certainly doesn't matter what college she went to since she ran a small buisness and is an experienced doctor. If you want to argue about something, don't use "who ever heard of that college" as an arguement.

When it comes to knowing PA13 Melissa Brown knows it better than any other candidate. Schwartz representsa small part of PA13 as a state senator but doesn't come close to the knowledge Brown has about the area.

If the election was held today, you bet Melissa Brown would win. And when it is held on Nov. 2nd, the result will be the same.

Handzus, I noticed the picture of Governor Rendell as your signature...did you vote for him in the '02 primary or did you back Casey?

I backed Rendell in that primary.  In fact I was an Independent prior to that primary because I had a lot of problems with the Democratic run city government yet I also had problems with the Republicans getting paid off by big corporations.  
 
As for Allyson Schwartz' residency, why do you see that as a problem?  The districts are so gerrymandered anyway and besides she lives close enough.  If you are talking about Driscoll in PA-15, then you have a valid point.    I wasn't the one who brought up her residenct, YOU DID!  I will give you this, I voted Joe Torsella on this to a point because I wanted to see a guy born and raised in Northeast Philly get elected.  My views are almost carbon copy of his just a smidge to the left.  I feel he has a much better understanding of what people liek me go through rahter than Allyson Schwartz.

As for Melissa Brown, there are a lot questions raised in her campaign.  Her relentless support of George W. Bush rather than being a representative raises concenrn about her being sent to congress.  Joe Hoeffel has been an excellent Congressman for us who has both addressed Section 8 and my concerns over Iraq and the lopsided tax cuts.

[TeePee4Prez]

I brought up the residency because Brown has been in this district MUCH longer and knows more about it than Schwartz. For some reason you brought up where Brown was born and educated which I found no point in.

You're right about Melissa Brown supporting the President. She makes it known that she backs Bush and the people of the 13th will prefer her support of Bush (though most are against him) to Schwartz's far left views.

We can argue why we support each candidate and we can debate the issues but here is where you have to agree with me. You're not BRTD, you're not migrendel...you live in the district as I do. We both know Brown has the edge in the race.

I think Kerry will win the district by 16 pts.  KP, you are right that there will be a lot of Kerry/Specter/Brown voters in this district.  I'm guessing that's about 5-7%.  Given the scenario in 2000 or 2002, I would agree with you that Brown would win.  However, these are different times and I think the relatively educated voters of the 13th district PA will agree with me on this.  Section 8 is not going to give her invincibilty.  It didn't in 2002, and it sure as hell will not this time.  

[TeePee4Prez]

Believe me, Allyson Schwartz is far left and there is no doubt about it. To even say Section 8 reform is being used because candidates cannot bring up denying minority voting and use of same lunch counter is RIDICULOUS. Tell me something, what is so bad about fixing a ruined system? Section 8 has caused the crime rate and drug presence to rise. Don't argue that with me because it has happened in NE Philly. Doesn't matter about the race because as I said earlier people of ALL races are living in Section 8. When neighborhoods are falling apart, we need someone who is willing to FIX them.

And Section 8 isn't Melissa Brown's only issues. Her main focus is on Medical malpractice reform and tort reform something Schwartz can never match up to Brown on. So please don't sit there and say that Brown's only issue is Section 8.

With a Republican lead in both houses of Congress and the White House, why isn't the problem fixed?  And what makes you so sure Melissa Brown can single-handedly fix it?  I feel the PHA is better equipped to handle the problems locally.  Medical malpractice isn't an issue that voters are exactly 100% sympathetic towards doctors on.  What about patient's rights?  You have to remember that 40% of the population in the Northeast are elderly and I'm sure they want some kind of protection when a doctor f--ks up.    Her Bush loving antics as shown in the Northeast Times and her "eulogy" on Reagan shows this.  She was the only politican to praise Reagan's tax cuts in her "eulogy."  Other politicans were more classy.  I know I'm not the only one here catching on!  

Please, I'm begging you... GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR @SS!!  Where are you getting this information from?  Why can't you give me a reason WHY I should buy into these policies.  Honestly, I'm sure you go to Catholic school and you fall hook-line and sinker with their views.  Do you realize that anti-abortion issues skew against poorer women than wealthier ones.  I feel the Catholic church is severely out of touch with reality.  80% of Northeast Philadelphia Catholics agree with me on this. I will give you the courtesy of why I oppose Bush's tax cuts:

1.  The top rate has dropped dramatically from the Clinton Admintistration (39.6% to 35%) while the middle brackets were only a pittance compared to this.

2.  Pell grants and other federal financial aid dropped dramtically sicne the end of the Clinton Administration to pay for these reckless tax cuts.  When you get to college and your applying for financial aid, prepare for sticker shock with less financial aid than I had!

3.  Bush managed to squander a $1 trillion surplus into a $7 trillion deficit.  Who has this "phantom" money?  Wealthier people and foreign countires.  If we can't pay this, there is a potential national security issue here.  And of course a lot of this interest payable is tax free and not caught by the AMT.  I can post a whole other thread on the War.  Don't give me that argument.

If you or any YR can give me a better argument, I would love to hear it.  Somehow all I'm probably going to get from you is Section 8 and medical malpractice and Schwartz is too"liberal".  I think people are getting tired of hearing that smokescreened word to distort a canaidate.  

I am a lifelong Northeast Philadelphia resident and a proud Democrat.  I have a very good grasp of the issues both locally, nationally and abroad.  I also have a very good grasp of Catholic teaching (though I do not agree with a good portion of it).  I have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, a good understanding of federal, state, and lcoal tax laws, and work for the government.  

CONCLUSION: MELISSA BROWN IS WRONG FOR CONGRESS!!!  

[TeePee4Prez]

First off I'll ask, why can't you keep you're cool? You seem to flip out everytime this is brought up. Remain calm. We obviously disagree but I'll give you some reasons to support Brown...

1) Section 8. You know that it needs serious reform and you know it. Sending Schwartz to Congress won't help the reforming process

2) Medical Malpractice. Docs are being driven out of the state and we need to make sure our seniors don't have to worry whether or not their doctor will be able to stay in the area.

3) You dislike John Street yet you continue to back candidates that praise him in every way saying how great he is for the city. You and I know Street is not good for Philly, that's why people and buisness are leaving. Vote for someone that will fight for our area and won't throw her support behind someone that obviously isn't helping NE Philadelphians at all.

I really hope you consider supporting Brown because its for our own good.

I only disagree with John Street because of the way he treated Mary Kohler and the fact he's racist.  I also don't like his "pay to play" system and the fact he's corrupt.  Believe me I needed about a gallon of Maalox after I voted Katz.  After I found out he bilked investors out of $2 million and a court forced him to pay people back, I would have withheld my vote there as well.  He would have been worse than Street IHMO.  I will definitely be pushing for Johnny Doc for mayor in 2007.    

Giving the Republicans the red carpet to Philadelphia will be a disaster.  Wall Street would have definitely downgraded our bond rating, which btw, is pretty decent.  I do not like John Perzel either.  I feel it is time to give him the boot from the 172nd district though I think Kearney is a weak candidate.  This guy is trying to use his power in the state legislature to hook up his buddies as well.  He is like a father who tells his 18 year old son not to have sex, yet he is having sex with a girl from his son's class.  Do you see what I'm saying?  

[TeePee4Prez]

Unfortunatley for you, Perzel won't be leaving anytime soon. The district is safe for him. Katz would have been a great mayor for the city and there should be NO DOUBT that a change in city leadership (by election Republicans) is needed, badly. As for 2007, I don't know who the GOP will be running. Rizzo has talked about it but possibly running as a Dem which I don't like. '99 and '03 were the GOP's years to take back City Hall. We came close in '99 and you know the story about last years campaign. 2007 is gonna be an uphill battle for us.

Actually in 2000, if his opponent only got 97 votes more, Perzel would have been unseated.  I feel the Democrats need a heavy hitter to unseat him.  That would put a huge blow in the PA GOP.  It's not impossible given the blue collar nature of the district.  The guy running against him works a third shift at a WaWa on Oxford Ave. in Fox Chase.  Not kidding!  

[TeePee4Prez]

I hate to say it, I think the seat is safe as well.  Perzel can shower the district with grants like Santa Claus.  Of course no one that follows politics is going to question.  Like I said ebfore, we need a heavy hitter and a left-centrist to unseat him.  Not impossible though.  Tim Kearney is not it.    

[TeePee4Prez]

What % ya think he'll get against Perzel this year? It can't be much we know that.

It will be higher say 35% due to Bush sinking and some people are lazy and will hit "straight Democratic".  My prediction:

Perzel: 65%
Kearney: 35%

Problem is the latter guy is invisible.  

[TeePee4Prez]

That seems about right though I could see Perzel doing alittle better.

Thing is you have a lot of people that only vote in these elections and will vote Democratic not looking at the whole ticket.  A lot of people only hear about John Perzel here and there.  There are a lot of uninformed people that are only following the presidential races.  Another problem for Kearney is he's ultra-liberal and invisible.  If a more centrist Demcorat ran with some clout, the race would be much closer.  You really don't get to see debates between state rep candidates.  You'll maybe see some cable comerical on channel 70 or something like that.  

[TeePee4Prez]

I think even with a centrist Dem it would be hard to defeat Perzel. Think about it: He's one of the most powerful individuals in the entire Commonwealth. With the Speakership, full support from the state GOP, and tons of $$$, Perzel is unstoppable. The whole straight Dem ticket hurt him in 2000 but he still survived. After that 2000 election, however, he made sure that even with a straight Dem vote in November, his seat would be nice and safe for himself.

Without a doubt.  He knows how to butter up unions as well.  I may not like him, but he knows what he's doing.  I'll even say this, the Democrats have a terrible maching in PA.  A lot of people in this state are pro-labor, yet the Republicans are carrying themselves quite nicely here.  The State legislature knew what they were doing when they installed Perzel as Speaker.  

[TeePee4Prez]

I believe Allyson Schwartz will win this race and here's why:

-Although not directly in the district, both Nick Berg and Paul Johnson were from the Philly area and their executions has turned the region against the war, and hence voters will be less likely to support Bush Jr.

-Out here in the suburbs those who actually know Dr. Brown see her as having a mean, nasty personality (which may or may not be true, as I only know people who know her, I don't know her personally).

-She's not Ellen Bard.  I thought the GOP really blew their chance at the primaries by not electing Bard who is extremely popular in the 153rd with an 80% approval rating.

-Pat Toomey is off the ballot.  I think this will keep some of the neo-cons home on Election Day who would have voted for Brown.

-Hoeffel beat Brown at a time of historically high Presidential approval ratings, and now that the ratings have sagged considerably, I see a lot of those who perhaps backed Brown in 2002, switching to Schwartz.

However, Brown can also capitalize on the fact that Schwartz lives in Jenkintown which is slightly outside the 13th district (though gerrymandering didn't help look at the 8-13 border).

Welcome to the forum.  Are you from the district?  I never met her personally, but she seems very cocky and belligerent.    I will say this:  Bard or Taubenberger would have got thrashed by either Democratic candidate.  Bard is an unknown in Northeast Philadelphia and Taubenberger only reasonates with die-hard Catholic neo-conservatives and to an extent the Fox Chase section of Philadelphia.  Brown hit the hot button in Northeast Philly and it gave her a lot of undue popularity.  I remember in 2002, Hoeffel had a commanding lead of 30 points early on when Bob Borski conceded.  Another person I forgot to mention in the "going to bat" process for Schwartz is former U.S. Rep. Bob Borski.  He is popular among voters in the Northeast and there are a lot of Poles here.        

[TeePee4Prez]

First off I'll ask, why can't you keep you're cool? You seem to flip out everytime this is brought up. Remain calm. We obviously disagree but I'll give you some reasons to support Brown...

1) Section 8. You know that it needs serious reform and you know it. Sending Schwartz to Congress won't help the reforming process

2) Medical Malpractice. Docs are being driven out of the state and we need to make sure our seniors don't have to worry whether or not their doctor will be able to stay in the area.

3) You dislike John Street yet you continue to back candidates that praise him in every way saying how great he is for the city. You and I know Street is not good for Philly, that's why people and buisness are leaving. Vote for someone that will fight for our area and won't throw her support behind someone that obviously isn't helping NE Philadelphians at all.

I really hope you consider supporting Brown because its for our own good.

I have given my opinions about all three of those things.  Maybe I was harsh in saying what I did, but people really need to wake up and see the whole picture.  This is beyond Democrat vs. Republican.  If theoretically John Street ran as a Democrat and Joe Torsella a Republican, I would obviously vote Torsella because he opposes a lot of Bush's policies and is a reasonable centrist.  Melissa Brown is an unapologetic supporter of this idiot president.  This Congressional Election is more than Section 8 and ok, Malpractice reform though you can argue a lot of things there.  Allyson Schwartz has addressed the real issue here- the insurance companies.  Melissa Brown is doing more to attack the patient.  You still aren't seeing why this election is even close or a possible win for her- Section 8!  

As for my post about why I disagree with Bush's tax cuts, you still haven't answered to that yet.  Please, read it again.  For being such a gung-ho GOPer, you should be able to answer that readily.  Say "The Bush tax cuts provided a lot of jobs."  Now dude you are asking me to even further squelch that argument.  

1.  Avg salary of jobs lost under Bush: $41,000
     "                           "gained"          ": $26,000

2.  5 million more Americans without health insurance

3.  As with Reaganomics, we are now seeing an increase in inflation.

4.  Social Security got raided to pay for these boneheaded tax cuts... Hmm, lots of seniors (40%) in Northeast Philly aren't there?

Ahh, yes another Melissa Brown quote "George Bush will get whatever he needs to fight the war in Iraq."

Does that mean $115 billion and counting?  Again, back to my tax cut post, who's footing the tab?  How about more Philadelphia area youth being beheaded?    

And do you think I'm really arrogant or dumb enough to trump
Section 8 over these issues?  NOPE!!

Please, keep it coming.  You will be in for a long, bumpy road this summer and fall with your thinking Melissa Brown is just going to coast here.  I will be on you harder than Brian Dawkins on Kerry Collins.

[TeePee4Prez]

Oh ok now we have "real" unions. The firefighters are another reason why Brown will have enough support to win this election. Other possible unions backing her: the police and the Teamsters.

In response to one point you made it is not appropriate at all for you to say that Melissa Brown, a DOCTOR, is attacking the patients. Go visit her site. She lays out her plan and wants nothing but the best for our seniors. She knows much more about this than Allysone Schwartz.

I'm also glad that Brown made the statement saying that we will get what is needed to fight in Iraq and the war on terror. Unlike some that vote for the war and then not fund the troops and our actions.

As for a long bumpy road this summer I think it's the D's that will experience that. Remember, your candidate has to catch up with Brown. Come November 3rd you can say whatever you want about the campaign or the issues but the fact is that Melissa Brown will be our Congresswoman - elect.

Well, she better lay off Bush.  I know Sam Katz did and he ran an excellent campaign.  Her campaign is getting grilled from the front, rear, and sides.  She has never held political office and already received a "Sleazy" award with Vince Fumo from an Inquirer writer.  

[TeePee4Prez]

Handzus, don't compare anyone to Fumo, please. That is just...low.

Fumo's at least a good guy.  Like I said, fior not being in politics, Brown's pretty bad.  And yes please don't deny it, she is using the race card to get votes.  This is a NEw Jersey Devils trap a lot of Northeast voters are falling for and it's sad.

[TeePee4Prez]

She is not playing the race card; she wants to fix a broken program and you know it needs fixing. And it most certainly isn't a trap. The voters of PA13 know that when they send Brown to Congress they're going to have an advocate. They're going to have a Congresswoman that will stand up to and be heard.

No, she's making the Northeast believe she's standing up for them then will turn around and knife them by supporting doctors, millionaires, and insurance companies (both medical and auto).  I can see right through it!  And that's another thing, how about the astronomical cost of auto insurance in Northeast Philly?

[TeePee4Prez]

Try to guess what the bottom of my singature means in English.

[TeePee4Prez]

You can't tell me though that Melissa Brown would have received only about 40% without Bush's approval ratings. 2002's PA13 race was like a lot of races...mostly local. Section 8 reform, Medical malpractice, tort reform... these are local issues and that is what this election will be decided on. Sure Kerry on the ticket helps Schwartz out but remember Schwartz has to catch up to Brown, not vice versa. Brown is known and liked up here. Once again, 2004 PA13 - GOP pickup.

As I have said before, why didn't she win in 2002?  There were a lot of Schwartz and Torsella signs all around the Northeast.  Just look at the major arteries (Roosevelt Blvd, Cottman Ave, Old York Rd, 309 exit ramps, etc.).  Brown was nowhere close to that.  If people ehre are so pasioante about getting her elected, why did Schwartz's road signs outnumber all the Republicans combined?Believe me Bush is hurting her plus the Democratic machines will crank into overdrive.  The Republicans aren't going to waste their time on this seat.  They have their work cut out from them holding onto PA-6 and 15 plus the Senate(not PA, but other states).  I'll admit Brown hit the right button at the right time, but that has become deflated these past 2 years.  Housing prices have risen all across the district and even those parts of the NE that slip into Brady's (PA-1) district.  I think Section 8 is more off the table than it was 2 years ago.  Plus this is a national election and Schwartz will remind us of that.

[TeePee4Prez]

Schwartz's best weapon = DeLay and Hastert

all Schwartz needs to do is remind people that a vote for Brown is a vote to keep DeLay and Hastert in power, and keep their extremist right wing agenda running.

And Brown is supporting Bush. If she was smart she'd at least not endorse either side.

Thank you!  Sam Katz who ran as a Republican for mayor in Philadelphia last year kept a very good distance from Bush and Santorum.  I might add his campaign was excellent and a lot of staunch Democrats crossed the fence to vote for him.  Brown is embracing these @ssholes and despite Section 8, it will hurt her.  KP as I have said before I and many people I'm close to had to leave the area because of the gross mismangement of the program.  Many of these same people though do not like Bush and I think it woud be in her best interest if she stayed away from him and stopped singing his praises.  BRTD, from a local perspective Joe Torsella would have been a much better candidate.  His moderation on social issues plus the fact he was BORN, RAISED AND STILL LIVES in the area and that would have helped tremendously.  He would have made Brown look foolish, but then again Brown is doing that already.  For reference, this is what I think would happen given each matchup:

Schwartz/Brown- NCF, lean Schwartz.  GOP's best matchup and is lucky this is still competitive.
Schwartz/Bard- lean Schwartz
Schwartz/Taubenberger- lean/strong Schwatz.  I think Nancy Pelosi could beat him even in a centrist district like ours.

Torsella/Brown- lean/strong Torsella
Torsella/Bard- NCF, lean Torsella.  Bard would do excellent in Montco.
Torsella/Taubenberger- VERY Strong Torsella.  Worst case for GOP.  Taubenberger would be recommended to drop out already!