Friday, February 15, 2008

CQ Politics Evaluates Manion vs. Murphy

From CQ Politics:

In the 8th District, which is dominated by Bucks County north of Philadelphia and includes a small part of the city, Rep. Patrick J. Murphy probably will square off in November against Tom Manion, a retired Marine Corps colonel whose son was killed in Iraq last April. Murphy is the only Iraq War veteran currently serving in Congress.

Manion is opposed in the Republican primary by Joseph Montone, who lost a Republican primary in the 8th District in 2004 and also was unsuccessful in 2006 in a state House race.

Right on the Right Previews Pennsylvania’s Eighth

Right on the Right contrasts Tom Manion, Patrick Murphy.

Murphy is going to be receiving over a million dollars from the establishment, and he's a favorite in the House to give speeches on Iraq. The Republican Party is going to challenge him directly on the issue, by running a strong businessman and pro-victory veteran who lost his son in Iraq. The sacrifice of the Manion family is amazing. Manion is featured on my slatecard, to the right, and I urge you to make a contribution. A few bucks will help Manion hit the ground running.

Delano’s Den Publicizes the Eight District

From Delano’s Den:

Republicans dream of retaking these seats, although Altmire-Hart is the only rerun of the last show. Murphy has four GOP challengers looking to take him on: Tom Lingenfelter, Jeff Madden, Tom Manion, and Joseph Montone. A former Marine, Manion, who lost a son in Iraq, is a strong supporter of the war and has the support of the congressman Murphy defeated, former U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick. Sestak has two challengers, Wendell Craig Williams and Joe Breslin. Williams has been endorsed by Delaware County GOP leaders and has an impressive resume as an assistant U.S. attorney and Gulf War veteran. Carney has four opponents right now, including Chris Hackett, David Haire, Dan Meuser, and Paul Swiderski. Insiders tell me Meuser and Hackett are the leading challengers at the moment.

Soldier’s Parents Praise Tom

From PA Water Cooler:

We were extremely taken aback by your recent editorial concerning Tom Manion’s seeking the congressional seat currently held by Patrick Murphy.

Are we to understand that in 2006, no political experience made Murphy a candidate of change, and now in 2008 it is a detriment to Manion? As if Manion’s 30 years of serving his country, retiring as a respected Marine Corps colonel, coupled with an 18-year executive career, is of no value.

The congressional seat is a two-year term. Announcing seven months prior to the election is “very late”? Are we to understand that incumbents spend their two-year position out campaigning instead of working?

Do you intend to say that Murphy’s having “more financial resources” means the best person for the job is the one with the deepest pockets? Is it your intention to insult your readers?

Are we to further understand that “Bush’s current war policy” equates to blind party allegiance, when in reality, your quoting refers to Manion’s support of the surge? Maybe the voters should be wary of candidates who vote party lines.

Maybe a “moderate Bucks County” voter doesn’t agree with every single party position.

We urge the voters in the 8th District to pay close attention to this congressional race. Listen carefully and do your homework before you decide.

Most will recognize our names as the parents of 1st Lt. Colby Umbrell KIA in Iraq. You would be correct to assume we have gotten to know Tom Manion very well since April.

What we have come to know about Tom Manion is that he is a candidate of outstanding integrity and sincerity. Truly his only agenda is to continue to serve his country and his community.

Mark and Nancy Umbrell, Doylestown Township

“My Service to This Country is Not Over”

Red State Rascals showcases Tom. Tom discusses his platform and inspiration.

Keystone Politics Highlights Tom

From Keystone Politics:

Thomas Manion, a Marine Corps Reserve colonel whose son was killed in Iraq last year, today plans to announce his candidacy for Congress against Rep. Patrick Murphy, the institution’s only Iraq war veteran, according to sources.

A 53-year-old pharmaceutical executive at Johnson & Johnson, Manion has been in discussions with local and national Republican Party leaders for months about the prospect of running for the 8th District Bucks County seat. He is planning a news conference at 2 p.m. today in the kitchen of his Doylestown Township home.

PA Water Cooler Spotlights Tom

From PA Water Cooler:

A Bucks County Republican, whose son was killed in Iraq, kicked off his political campaign Tuesday afternoon.

Tom Manion announced he would campaign against the only Iraq war veteran in Congress, Patrick Murphy.

“I am here today to announce my candidacy for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District,” said Manion from the kitchen of his Doylestown home.

Manion’s son, Lt. Travis Manion, was killed fighting in the front lines in Iraq. He considers his son a main source of inspiration.

“Travis is certainly my inspiration for that,” said Manion.

Shoe-Fly Pie Touts Tom

Shoe-Fly Pie discusses the eight district.