SMETHPORT – Bob Casey Jr., Democratic candidate for the U.S.
Senate, promised to be a voice for new directions in Washington
during a campaign stop Saturday in Smethport.
Casey, who is challenging two-term U.S. Rep. Rick Santorum,
R-Pa., the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference Committee
and third-ranking member of the GOP leadership, in a race that is
drawing national attention, spoke to a crowd of Democrats and
Republicans at a lawn party at the residence of Vicky McElwee.
In brief, extemporaneous remarks, Casey accused the Bush
Administration of fiscal irresponsibility.
“President Bush inherited a $236 billion surplus in 2001 and has
turned it into a $296 billion deficit,” he said.
Santorum has voted for all the bills raising the deficit, Casey
noted.
“In December 2005, the Republicans seemed proud to pass a
deficit reduction bill,” Casey said, “but it cut funding for
Medicare, Medicaid and affected student loan programs.”
Casey pointed to Santorum’s votes for oil company subsidies even
at a time when these companies are reporting record profits.
“This has cost the motorist to pay increased prices at the
pump,” he said.
According to Casey, Santorum’s support of the big oil companies
has led to him receiving the second highest amount of oil company
contributions for his campaign.
Concerning government subsidies for big oil, Casey said, “I
reject that view, and I will vote against them. It’s time that
people like you who drive a distance to work and buy food get a
break.”
Casey cited fiscal responsibility as another top priority. He
said, “In two terms as auditor-general and now as state treasurer,
I have been a watchdog against fraud and waste, saving
Pennsylvanians $1 billion.”
As senator, Casey his priorities will be people and families,
not party lines or ideology.
“We need to move in new directions. We need to unite people, not
divide them, if we are going to solve our problems.”
Casey arrived in Smethport shortly ahead of schedule after a
trip across the Northern Tier that included stops in Wellsboro,
Cherry Springs and Coudersport.
“As we traveled along Route 6, you appreciate the beautiful
scenery. If the Washington crowd had their way, they would weaken
our clean air and water laws,” he said.
Accompanying the candidate on the bus were his wife, Terese,
three of their four daughters, and numerous nieces.
During Friday and Saturday, Casey had brought his “new
directions” theme to six counties in central and northern
Pennsylvania.
Casey said, “As best we can, we are visiting even those areas
that have not been traditionally voted Democratic. It’s important
for candidates like me to reach out with my message. We need new
directions in foreign policy and cut down the outsourcing of
jobs.”
Casey is also slated to visit the Elk County Fair in Kersey on
Wednesday.
