The Party Doesn’t Want a Candidate That’s Connected to the People
(JOHNSTOWN, PA) – Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. William Russell, Republican candidate for the nomination for Representative in the 12th PA Congressional district announced today that he is “disappointed, but was prepared” for today’s selection of his primary opponent by GOP conferees for the upcoming special election to fill the unexpired term of the late Rep. John Murtha.
“The party establishment has been saying all along that they prefer Tim Burns because he can write his own checks,” said Russell. “We’re not surprised. The party doesn’t want a candidate that’s connected to the people, they want one with money. While unfortunate, this was what we expected.”
Russell says he will continue campaigning to be the Republican nominee in the May 18th primary election. “This is a fight we started more than two and a half years ago,” said Russell. “I have covered this district from one end to the other, and I am fully aware of how the voters feel disenfranchised by their elected officials and the party elite. This campaign is about the people, not the entrenched establishment.”
More information is available at www.russellbrigade.com
I am a supporter, but unlike you I did not expect this. For me it’s the last straw and I will change my registration to Independent, Libertarian, Constitutional or “Tea” Party. I’ll look for your plan/update.
I am also a BIG supporter of yours and know nothing about the other fella. Where is my say in this,don’t I get a vote to say who I want to run for the 12 seat. Who can I contact and voice my opion… I would like to see Sen. JOhn Mc Cain come on over and give you some support. That might wake who ever up.
As always let me know what I can do for you and your people person campain..
I was there at the meeting March 11th and it was obvious the fix was in.
The conferees(all 132) were all up front closest to the speakers podium.
The rest of us (about 100 or so lowly citizens and voters) were at the back of the room segregated from the front by a 20 feet buffer zone and rope polls like you see in theaters (except the ropes were actually sturdy chains).
Rob Gleason, the PA GOP’s version of Tony Soprano, was gladhanding the conferees and ignoring we riffraff in the back of the room as he strutted around like a mother hen about to drop a golden egg.
When Burns spoke, the loudest applause came from the front.
When Russell spoke, the loudest applause came from the back.
Afterwards Gleason proudly told the media he voted for Burns himself. He’s the PA GOP Chairman who oversees all the County Chairmen AND he’s also the Cambria County GOP Chairman. Cambria County had more conferees there than any other county.
It wasn’t hard to figure out what went down.
I am not in the 12th district but do support Mr. Russell. I hope the people are getting smart enough to NOT follow blindly the people the party puts forth. I am so sick of all this and pray God have mercy on this country.
My husband and I have always been strong, registered GOP supporters and voters….no more. We will NEVER again contribute to the state nor the national GOP. We will support the individual candidates we believe in. We cannot vote for Col. Russell…we live in Washington County but we contributed to his former campaign for the 12th District and we WILL contribute to his primary and special election bid against the “machine candidate Burns” on May 18,2010.
Although I live in California, I am a big supporter of LTC Russell. This action by the “Republican” establishment is just like the New York 23rd last year. The best outcome is a win by the “Democrat” and then a challenge by LTC Russell in the fall. Like Colonel Russell, I am a veteran too (Commander, USNR-Ret)
Like the others that have replied, my wife and I are totally disgusted with the failure of the state GOP to support Col. Russell. When we saw the first polls involving the new GOP entry at 31%, it is obvious that we are not alone as the Republican Party has once again divided its own voters while choosing a candidate that is double digits behind what Col. Russell did versus Murtha in the last election. I cannot vote for Col. Russell as I live in Mars but we will send a check today. Also, I have changed my registration to Independent and hope the ridiculous behavior of the Republican Party does not keep Obama and his henchmen in control when our republic is under severe threat. If the GOP ever needed unity, it is in 2010 but it appears the state of Pennsylvania will not be a positive factor!
It’s important that you people win not only in the general but in the special election. Write ins can win if you get out the vote. Don’t perpetuate evil.
I was a volunteer for Bill in his first quest to defeat John Murtha. Again, I was there to help with petitions to get him on the primary ballot in May. To my surprise and out of the blue I hear that the GOP hierarchy “selects” a total stranger to me as “their” selection to run in the May special election. Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but my vote will be a write in for William Russell. We have enough of he “money” people in Washington and don’t need another one.
Gleason Covers Burns
I got you covered Tim. Seems that not all Gleason covers. Gleason is the King of Insurance for the defense contractors. Gleason is proud of the business he writes for the defense contractor. This from Mr. Gleason’s brochure for his companies, Gleason Insurance, Gleason Financial, and Gleason Technology:
“We have been able to build our business, knowing Gleason is looking out for all of our insurance needs.” Ronald Kuchera, Chief Financial Officer, Kuchera Industries
Kuchera Industries was raided by the FBI and was investigated by the Federal Elections Commission.
Russell’s opponent is the pre-packaged chauffeur for Gleason. Gleason has been influence peddling for too long now. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, how many pieces of silver will Gleason sell to betray the 12th District for.
We are going to lose this seat if Russell’s opponent is elected because of his connection with Gleason.
Russell is a warrior. Russell has had first-hand experience on some of the major issues of our time. Unlike his opponent, Russell is a combat veteran and has what it takes to make him an exemplary Congressman for all veterans. For his district, he will prove to be a fighter – like he’s always been.
DO NOT CHANGE YOUR PARTY!!! If you change to Independent, you cannot vote in the primaries! This is where we need to get the RINOS out, and conservatives in. Please, if you changed your registration – change it back.
I will be sending Bill a donation for May 18th.
Pray a daily confession of God’s favor: the favor of God is on me, around me and before me. God’s favor brings Supernatural intervention into my life, Restoration of everything the enemy has stolen from me, Honor, even in the mist of those who despise me, Increase of assets (land, real estate), greater Victory in the mist of grerater odds, Recognition even when I seem to be the lest likely to recieve it, Prominent or Preferential treatment, (held in High esteem, a special liking to), my Petitions are granted, Policies,Rules, Regulations and Laws are changed or reversed to my advantage, Battles won which I don’t even have to fight, because God will fight them for me. God’s favor goes before me opening doors, that NO devil, demon, mammon or man can shut. I HAVE THE VICTORY. AMEN!
REMEMBER SCOTT BROWN, Colonel Russell! He won WITHOUT the help of the national party! The PEOPLE are going to determine the winner – not the hierarchy! I agree with other postings that it is time to STAY in the party but throw out those without strong values. We need NO MORE RINOS! We need men and women who will STOP this out-of-control government!!!!
I supported you in 08 and again this year…and if a Republican can win the election after Ted Kennedy had been in the Senate for so long, so you can win after John Murtha’s far too long career!
The PEOPLE are sooooooooo tired of the same old style of politics – they will send a message from the state of Pennsylvania to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – NO MORE CORRUPTION/CLOSED DOOR DEALS/CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS WHO CAN BE BOUGHT! NO MORE!!!!!
You are a man of HONOR and THAT is who Americans want to serve in Congress! Good luck – you have best wishes coming to you from all across America!
An earlier poster is correct – DO NOT change registration from Republican! You CAN NOT vote in the primary! And no need to ever change from Republican as you can vote for whom you like, i.e. Rep., Independent, etc. whoever is on the list. I have never changed my registration since 1956! But I have voted for non-republicans since then. You need to know that the Grassroots, which include Tea Party supporters, in Arizona and across the nation, are NOT supporting John McCain! He has NOT been supportive of his state constituents! He continues to support “another” amnesty for illegals. He has not in the past called for troops or more help along the border with Mexico where not only illegals cross, but there is drug trafficking, killings, human trafficiking and a great increase in crime for Americans who live in the area. You may beware of a recent killing of a rancher. Border patrol persons are killed regularly. NOW that McCain is campaigning he calls for more border support, and oh yes, fence reenforcement. Lately he has sponsored legislation that would interfere with individuals “right” to use vitamin supplements without a “prescription”! Guess he saw his error on that one and quickly withdrew his support, only to co-sponsor legislation much, much worse – that which would allow everyday citizens to be determined belligerent and suspect of potential violence, and held without proven cause. Google “McCain/Lieberman ‘belligerent Act of 2010′.” It would permit Attorney General Eric Holder to withhold his reason for permitting such action! Sound like something you want? The idea of voters actually determining who gets elected is a threat to all who have any power, so a candidate who is supportive of them gets their money!
Col. Russell – there is a post somewhere on your site questioning receiving letters from your wife. That idea being used by some solicitation service for some other candidates is not being received well by your potential donors. I suggest you speak to the service you use and put an end to it.
to me, you Bill, was he who ran against John Murtha when defeating him was very unlikely. Now that there is a good chance of victory, Tim Burns and the Gleasons want to edge you out. If burns suceeds, he will be beholden to the Gleasons, not to the voters. Personally, I’ve had enough of politicians who’s first allegiance is to themselves and to the party. not to the voters.
Robert Zimmerman. rzimme21@hotmail.com
I am a past supporter and I continue to strongly support LTC Russell. Obviously, the PA state GOP hasn’t been watching the recent developments in Florida (Rubio), Utah (Lee), or California (Devore). But, for what it’s worth, Ohio (my home state) hasn’t paid attention either.
Good luck and Godspeed Col. Russell!
My husband and I were present at St. Vincent’s College the night the PA GOP supposedly “voted” to endorse Tim Burns for the Special Election. We left around 8:15, after listening to each of 5 candidates give their speeches. The very next morning, our mail carrier delivered a brochure put out by Tim Burns for the Special Election. It is absolutely inconceivable to imagine that Tim Burns could have been officially voted on at 8:30 pm.; that his people then could have had professional brochures printed up; and then somehow found a way to get the post office to open up at night so that those brochures could be sent out and arrive at voters’ doors the very next morning! Something does not smell right.
Bill, you have my support as well as my husband,daughter and
son PFC Evan Sliwinski in the USMC.
Dear Bill,
I want to reiterate that you have the endorsement of the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition. We oppose the Republican Party’s decision to even consider another candidate in this ‘Special Election’. It should be you and no one else and the members of the House of Representatives from Pennsylvania should insist on your exclusive candidacy. Please let us know whether any of those representatives has come out in support of you.
John Molloy
Chairman
Move America Forward is way off coming out with an e-mail ad for Tim Burns. I agree the “Party” is way off the track just as it is in my state of Colorado. It is easy to see who has the peoples intersst at heart and who has the best chance of winning. Col. Russell also has some great Strategies for the peeople of the 12th, once he is elected. I will donate as I have in the past to the Russell Campaign and I will send a message to Move America Forward Freedom PAC at Move America Forward.com to tell them just how foolish and naive they are. Do not change your registration and continue to work within the party. Third parties are suicide. Think Ross Perot and Tea Parties.
I am dismayed at the choice of Tim Burns over Bill Russell. I supported Bill in his race against Joh Murtha and continue to do so. I am a charter member of the Fort Bend County Tea Party (Texas) and have urged our members who just received e-mails to support Tim Burns to support Bill instead and have directed them to Bill’s web site. I can’t vote for you, but I can sure send $$.
The eyes of Texas are upon you. God bless.
I can and will vote for Bill Russel. I’m appalled at the Washington and Pennsylvania establishment and I think Bill’s the right guy to get in there and straigthen this mess out. If he only does half the things I’ve heard about, we’ll be on the right track again. Who’s this other guy anyway? I’m just now hearing about him.
You people do realize that the selection process in PA LAW, not a PA GOP process. The Pennsylvania special election law requires the convention process, and does not allow a primary.
I do not understand what the PA GOP thinks they are doing except guaranteeing a loss in November! Am I understanding correctly that you are still in the race on May 18 regardless of what they have done? If so I will support you (again) as much as possible. How can they forget how you went against Murtha when nobody thought he could be beaten? What is wrong with the PA GOP? Are they really Republicans? Or RINO’s.
About the letter from your wife: A letter was sent out asking for money to run against Murtha after he had died. It did sound rather “out of touch.”
Semper Fi and Carry On! cjp
I have NOT given money to the Senate, Congressional or national GOP in several YEARS NOW. Every since they, the GOP elites nominated that RINO, scozzafava in the NY 23rd, I QUIT them. Showing her true colors scozzafaza endorsed the DEMOCRAT when it was obvious Doug Hoffman, the REAL conservative, was going to clean her clock in the election. Because of these idiots, the NY GOP elites, she and the GOP establishment got the democrat elected, who immediately voted to pass the bill that socialized medicine, obamacare!!!! Now when I get a letter from the GOP asking for money, I use a black sharpie, tell them how disgusted I am with them continuing to support rinos over true conservatives and mail it back to them in their own self addressed, postage paid envelope!!!! What sweet revenge on them. Everyone reading this needs to do the same. The GOP will definitely open the letter, thinking it is a donation. If enough of us do this, maybe they will finally listen to us. Hit them where it hurts, in their pocketbook!!
Move America Forward called and spoke to Russell’s staff before endorsing Tim Burns for the special election. We made sure that Russell was not running in the special and ONLY the primary. If Bill Russell wins the primary, MAF Freedom PAC is ready and willing, excited even, to support him in the general election.
if you have further questions regarding MAFPAC’s position please feel free to email communications@mafpac.org
I receved a phone call asking me who I would vote for in the special election if it were held today. Critz or Burns. I responded by saying neither one. I was writing in Bill Russell. They seemed to infer that I could not because he is not on the ballot. My response was, there is a place for write-ins. I am wrong in doing so? You are the one candidate I have trust in and I voted for you when you ran against Murtha. You should have won that one.