The countdown is underway to the 2024 Pennsylvania presidential primary.
In our continuing series, PoliticsPA takes a look at the four state House races in northeastern PA – the 109th, 110th, 117th and 120th.
Leadbeter is looking for a second term in Harrisburg. He supports policies that will lower taxes, encourage economic growth, increase personal freedom, and reduce the size and intrusiveness of government. Leadbeter has the backing of Rep. Dan Meuser (R-09) and state Sen. Lynda Culver (R-27). Economy. Supporting local job-creating small businesses by cutting PA corporate income tax and making the regulatory system fair and predictable. Adopt policies that will increase energy production and efficiency and repeal the state gasoline tax. Farmers. Create a low tax and regulatory environment to ensure a thriving small business community. Taxes. Wants to pass a Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights that limits spending growth and requires super-majorities for tax increases. 2nd Amendment. Preserve the 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms while also supporting concealed carry and the right to self-defense. Education. Ensure parents have the right to choose education that is best for their children, including public, private, trade and technical, and homeschool education. Protect girls’ athletic programs by preventing biological males from competing against girls.
Yoder, a 10th generation Pennsylvanian, recently switched parties, saying he used to be a conservative Democrat.
Farms. He is committed to supporting farmers and reducing the state’s gasoline and diesel taxes to alleviate financial burdens on residents.
2nd Amendment. Ensure rights under the 2nd Amendment are never questioned.
Education. Committed to capping tuition payments for cyber-charter schools while protecting parents’ rights to school choice.
Local. Wants to bring funds to Columbia County to finish the flood wall.
Pickett is in search of her 13th term in the state House. She wants to place an emphasis on small business and good family jobs, property tax relief for seniors and families, healthcare quality and access for all, complete available broadband and cell service for the entire district, inflation control with no tax increases and safe communities and schools.
Wayman is a special education teacher in the Athens Area School District.
Election Integrity. Voting is the fundamental right that our government is based upon. It needs to be accessible to everyone and everyone needs to be assured that their vote counts without allowing fraud to enter the mix. I would support any changes that accomplish those tasks.
Reproductive Rights. Pro-life but believes that situations and circumstances may require the consideration of some medical procedures.
Cabell, born and raised in Luzerne County, is in search of his second term in Harrisburg. Previously, he founded and managed the day-to-day operations of a behavioral healthcare company.
Election Integrity. He champions voter ID requirements and is a prime sponsor of H.B. 1498 on election security.
Property Taxes. Committed to reducing property taxes for seniors in particular and supports the expansion of the “Property Tax & Rent Rebate Program.”
Parental Rights. Supports parental rights and is against the encroachment of ideologies in schools that may not align with the values of our families.
Walsh has been an advocate for parents’ rights through the Citizens Advisory of Pennsylvania . One of his priorities is to work on a small business revival to encourage people to shop locally versus the big box stores, Dollar Generals and Amazon.
2nd Amendment. All responsible citizens have the right to bear arms.
Education. If a school is failing the child, parents should have the right to take them to another school district, a vocational school, charter school or an online school in order to give that child the best chance possible for success.
Election Integrity. Repeal Act 77, go back to paper ballots and enforce voter ID for all registered voters.
Term Limits. Advocate for term limits for elected officials.
McDermott is a Luzerne County councilwoman who has owned a real estate business for nearly three decades.
Musto has spent his professional career in flooring sales and service and has experience with public sector budgets and union negotiations as a Dallas School Board member.
Constitution. Protect the 1st and 2nd Amendments.
Education. Advocate for parental rights and school choice.
Election Integrity. Voter ID is a crucial improvement to ensure secure and fair voting, and we need to maintain the same chain of custody procedures.
Reproductive Rights. Pro-life and believes conception begins at the moment of fertilization. Would support legislation that protects the life of the mother and victims of rape or incest.
Pugh is the chief executive officer of AMP Global Strategies. She has been endorsed by state Sen. Lisa Baker.
Economy. Stop job-crushing regulations, support energy Independence and stand with our workers
Education. Give parents more control and focus on catching-up kids who have fallen behind at school.
Election Integrity. Supports voter ID
Leard is a NEPA native and a longtime healthcare advocate. She also works in the fight against food insecurity, universal school meals and fair funding for schools. Leard has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood.
Minimum Wage. Needs to be a family sustaining wage.
Election Integrity. Supports pre-canvassing and better access to voter education.
Education. Supports revising the cyber charter school funding formula to reflect actual cost of educating students.
Reproductive Rights. Abortion is healthcare. Would strike the spousal notice provision, and expand access by permitting advanced practice providers to perform procedure.
Morgan is a lifelong resident of Exeter and has served as a councilman in the borough for the past 13 years. He also is the Exeter representative to the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority.
Public Safety. First responders need proper funding to effectively protect their communities.
Election Integrity. Voting needs to be accessible to all citizens and would support sensible legislation that provides easier and more accessible ways to accomplish it. Election officials should also be protected from intimidation and harassment while doing their jobs.
Reproductive Rights. Supports a woman’s right to choose.
COLUMBIA COUNTY
109th State House District Robert Leadbeter (R) v. Matthew Yoder (R)Leadbeter is looking for a second term in Harrisburg. He supports policies that will lower taxes, encourage economic growth, increase personal freedom, and reduce the size and intrusiveness of government. Leadbeter has the backing of Rep. Dan Meuser (R-09) and state Sen. Lynda Culver (R-27). Economy. Supporting local job-creating small businesses by cutting PA corporate income tax and making the regulatory system fair and predictable. Adopt policies that will increase energy production and efficiency and repeal the state gasoline tax. Farmers. Create a low tax and regulatory environment to ensure a thriving small business community. Taxes. Wants to pass a Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights that limits spending growth and requires super-majorities for tax increases. 2nd Amendment. Preserve the 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms while also supporting concealed carry and the right to self-defense. Education. Ensure parents have the right to choose education that is best for their children, including public, private, trade and technical, and homeschool education. Protect girls’ athletic programs by preventing biological males from competing against girls.
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Catawissa
- House Assignments. House Insurance, Judiciary, and Liquor Control Committees. Founding member of the PA House Freedom Caucus.
- Last Election. Defeated Ed Giannattasio, 63-29, in 2022 general.
- Experience. Small business owner.
- Education: B.A., Capella University; MBA, Capella University
- Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide
- Fundraising (as of 12/31/2023)
- Raised: $2,536.26 | Spent: $35,334 | Cash on Hand: $23,909.89
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Fishing Creek Township
- Experience. Teacher. Local teachers’ union president. Vice President, Benton Area School Board.
- Quotable. “Ag is the leading industry within Columbia County and I’m dedicated to supporting our local Ag community in every way possible!”
- Education: B.A., Albright College; M.Ed., Bloomsburg Univesity.
- Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide
- Fundraising (as of 3/4/2024)
- Raised: $3,199.69 | Spent: $3,198.69 | Cash on Hand: $1.00
BRADFORD and WYOMING COUNTIES
110th State House District Tina Pickett (R) vs. Matthew Wayman (R)Pickett is in search of her 13th term in the state House. She wants to place an emphasis on small business and good family jobs, property tax relief for seniors and families, healthcare quality and access for all, complete available broadband and cell service for the entire district, inflation control with no tax increases and safe communities and schools.
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Wysox Township, Bradford County
- House Assignments: Republican Chair, Insurance Committee and Committee on Committees.
- Last Election (2022): ran unopposed in primary and general elections
- Education. Penn State.
- Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Vote411 Voter Guide
- Fundraising (as of 12/31/2023)
- Raised: $20,934.21 | Spent: $3,927 | Cash on Hand: $22,707.21
Wayman is a special education teacher in the Athens Area School District.
Election Integrity. Voting is the fundamental right that our government is based upon. It needs to be accessible to everyone and everyone needs to be assured that their vote counts without allowing fraud to enter the mix. I would support any changes that accomplish those tasks.
Reproductive Rights. Pro-life but believes that situations and circumstances may require the consideration of some medical procedures.
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Athens, Bradford County
- Experience. Teacher working with troubled youth and intellectually disabled children
- Quotable. “Small towns and rural communities are what make Pennsylvania great! I will oppose any bill that hits the pockets of our rural areas in order to fund big city projects!”
- Education: B.A., Wilkes University
- Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Vote411 Voter Guide
- Fundraising (as of 12/31/2023)
- Raised: $20,934.21 | Spent: $3,927 | Cash on Hand: $22,707.21
LUZERNE COUNTY
117th State House District Mike Cabell (R) vs. James Walsh (R) The race is off to a contentious start, as Walsh contended that Cabell’s campaign manager offered him $10,000 for a future state senate campaign if he would withdraw from the race for the 117th. Cabell vehemently denied the accusation, but did acknowledge offering future, unspecified political backing because both have similar views on issues.Cabell, born and raised in Luzerne County, is in search of his second term in Harrisburg. Previously, he founded and managed the day-to-day operations of a behavioral healthcare company.
Election Integrity. He champions voter ID requirements and is a prime sponsor of H.B. 1498 on election security.
Property Taxes. Committed to reducing property taxes for seniors in particular and supports the expansion of the “Property Tax & Rent Rebate Program.”
Parental Rights. Supports parental rights and is against the encroachment of ideologies in schools that may not align with the values of our families.
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Drums
- House Committee Assignments. Appropriations, Game & Fisheries, Human Services, Transportation.
- Last Election (2022). Defeated four primary opponents with 32.4%. Unopposed in the general election.
- Quotable. “Prioritizing family, freedom, and fiscal sanity. These are the cornerstones of a strong community and a prosperous future.”
- Education: B.A., Saint Joseph’s University.
- Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Vote411 Voter Guide
- Fundraising (as of 12/31/2023)
- Raised: $86,646.69 | Spent: $40,333.85 | Cash on Hand: $47,076.57
Walsh has been an advocate for parents’ rights through the Citizens Advisory of Pennsylvania . One of his priorities is to work on a small business revival to encourage people to shop locally versus the big box stores, Dollar Generals and Amazon.
2nd Amendment. All responsible citizens have the right to bear arms.
Education. If a school is failing the child, parents should have the right to take them to another school district, a vocational school, charter school or an online school in order to give that child the best chance possible for success.
Election Integrity. Repeal Act 77, go back to paper ballots and enforce voter ID for all registered voters.
Term Limits. Advocate for term limits for elected officials.
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Sweet Valley
- Experience. Small business owner. President, Citizens Advisory of Pennsylvania.
- Quotable. “No longer can we elect hypocritical leaders that place us in debt with irresponsible votes to satisfy agendas which do not reflect our most important needs and priorities”
- Education: B.A., Whitworth College.
- Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LWV Voter Guide
- Fundraising (as of 12/31/2023)
- Not Available
LUZERNE COUNTY
120th State House District LeeAnn McDermott (R), Patrick Musto (R), Brenda Pugh (R) Fern Leard (D) vs. John Morgan (D)McDermott is a Luzerne County councilwoman who has owned a real estate business for nearly three decades.
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Kingston Township
- Experience. Luzerne County councilwoman. Owner, McDermott Real Estate Appraisals.
- Education: B.A., Misericordia University.
- Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Vote411 Voter Guide | LWV Voter Guide
- Fundraising (as of 12/31/2023)
- Not available.
Musto has spent his professional career in flooring sales and service and has experience with public sector budgets and union negotiations as a Dallas School Board member.
Constitution. Protect the 1st and 2nd Amendments.
Education. Advocate for parental rights and school choice.
Election Integrity. Voter ID is a crucial improvement to ensure secure and fair voting, and we need to maintain the same chain of custody procedures.
Reproductive Rights. Pro-life and believes conception begins at the moment of fertilization. Would support legislation that protects the life of the mother and victims of rape or incest.
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Dallas Township
- Experience. Dallas School Board member. Luzerne County Board of Assessment Appeal. Co-owner, Tuf-Tex Flooring.
- Education: B.A., King’s College
- Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Vote411 Voter Guide | LWV Voter Guide
- Fundraising (as of 3/4/2024)
- Raised: $1,725 | Spent: $3,372.41 | Cash on Hand: $202.59
Pugh is the chief executive officer of AMP Global Strategies. She has been endorsed by state Sen. Lisa Baker.
Economy. Stop job-crushing regulations, support energy Independence and stand with our workers
Education. Give parents more control and focus on catching-up kids who have fallen behind at school.
Election Integrity. Supports voter ID
- Party: Republican
- Residence: Dallas Township
- Experience. CEO, AMP Global Strategies. Luzerne County Fair chairwoman.
- Quotable. “As a small business owner, wife, mother, and trusted volunteer, no one will fight harder for our communities, taxpayers, and our conservative values in Harrisburg and here at home.”
- Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Vote411 Voter Guide | LWV Voter Guide
- Fundraising (as of 12/31/2023)
- Not available.
- Party: Democrat
- Residence: Dallas Township
- Experience. Executive Committee, Luzerne County Democrats.
- Education: Marywood University
- Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Vote411 Voter Guide | LWV Voter Guide
- Fundraising (as of 12/31/2023)
- Raised: $9,835.25 | Spent: $1,922.93 | Cash on Hand: $8,034.68
Morgan is a lifelong resident of Exeter and has served as a councilman in the borough for the past 13 years. He also is the Exeter representative to the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority.
Public Safety. First responders need proper funding to effectively protect their communities.
Election Integrity. Voting needs to be accessible to all citizens and would support sensible legislation that provides easier and more accessible ways to accomplish it. Election officials should also be protected from intimidation and harassment while doing their jobs.
Reproductive Rights. Supports a woman’s right to choose.
- Party: Democrat
- Residence: Exeter Boro
- Experience. Exeter councilman.
- Education: B.S., Marywood University
- Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Vote411 Voter Guide | LWV Voter Guide
- Fundraising (as of 3/4/2024)
- Raised: $2,200 | Spent: $2,200 | Cash on Hand: $0
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By: Steve Ulrich
Title: PA House Primary Preview: NEPA
Sourced From: www.politicspa.com/pa-house-primary-preview-nepa/133538/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pa-house-primary-preview-nepa
Published Date: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 01:38:29 +0000
