The McKean County Republican Committee is inviting supporters of President Donald Trump to one of five petition-signing events, held simultaneously, in locations across the county.
The event will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Jan. 29, providing registered Republican voters the opportunity to sign petitions to get Trump on the ballot in Pennsylvania.
“This is kind of a new initiative. We are getting a lot of interest,” said County Republican Chairman Ken Kane.“There seems to be a lot of people in McKean County and the region that are just kind of behind President Trump, and they seem to want to express themselves.
“This gives them a chance to be part of the electoral process. This allows them to get engaged in the political process rather than watch on news.”
This multi-location event was scheduled despite the fact that senators were sworn in Thursday during the start of Trump’s impeachment trial on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. When asked about the timing of the event and any concerns about the outcome of the impeachment trial, Kane noted that he has heard frustration from a number of people in relation to the proceedings.
“The feedback I’ve been hearing from most people, a lot of pro-Trump people feel that impeachment proceedings are designed to be apolitical, and they are designed for the good of our country. These articles of impeachment are polarized and very political. That is a great frustration to many people,” Kane said.
He also noted that area residents seem to feel strongly about the way things should be handled, and this event will provide them the chance to show how they feel through political support.
“We want people to do what’s best for America, not what’s best for specific individuals. That is very evident with the trade agreement this week, the first phase of the agreement with China. The tariffs have had an impact on our hardwood industry — they are specifically spoken of in that agreement. Congressman (Glenn) Thompson pointed that out, and it was addressed. People locally will benefit,” Kane said. “I don’t think people are looking close enough into those issues to truly understand them. This is a chance to be involved in the political process, to come out and support candidates.”
Petitions for all incumbent Republican candidates will also be available for signing, namely Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway, U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa. and state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint.
“Candidates from our area truly do support our area, especially Congressman Thompson, he represents us well and he is very engaged in our area,” Kane said. “He’ll be traveling the district next week — he’ll be in Bradford on Tuesday evening and Kane Tuesday afternoon. I believe he’ll also be in Warren on Wednesday. He is making quite the rounds.”
Anyone interested in signing the petitions can visit one of several locations across the county: In Bradford, C.J. Wallace Engineering at 31 Boylston St.; in Kane, Grandma Bair’s Restaurant at 608 N. Fraley St.; in Eldred, the Borough Firehall at 4 Platt St.; in Smethport, The Kardinal Room at 223 W. Main Street; and in Port Allegany, the Veterans Memorial Inc., at 4743 Route 155.
“Everyone that wants to support the candidates and sign the petitions of support are welcome to come out. To sign the petition, you have to be registered to vote in the Republican party,” Kane said. “Be prepared to come out and meet some people that think similarly to you and have a good evening.”
