Mike Kelly Announces ‘Pathways to Prosperity’ Jobs Plan
4 Point Plan Focuses on Reforms in Washington & Investment into American Small Businesses & Workers that Will Create Family Sustaining Jobs
Butler, PA – In preparation and honor of the upcoming Labor Day holiday, Mike Kelly (R-Butler) made a series of presentations to businesses in the 3rd Congressional District on Friday announcing his Pathways to Prosperity jobs plan. Kelly’s four point plan incorporates both reforms in Washington to create job creating pathways and strategic investments into American small businesses and workers. Plan highlights include:
- Commitment to supporting federal budget reforms and priority setting processes to ensure economic prosperity for future generations and clearing the way for long term investments into critical national needs that create family sustaining jobs
- Adopting a tax reform plan to restructure and dramatically simplify both personal and corporate taxes that will significantly increase true, private sector job creation
- Supporting, voting and insisting on market driven healthcare reform that will control costs and allow employers to offer more affordable healthcare benefits and allow for more job creation
- Making strategic investments into capital access for U.S. small businesses that allow for more job creation on Main Street and revamping federal job training programs
“Since I decided to run for Congress in January, I have spent a good deal of time listening – listening to employers, listening to employees, listening to people who have lost work. That’s something this Congress and this Administration has failed to do,” said Kelly. “What I have found is that Washington is not creating pathways to prosperity for American businesses and workers, they are actually creating roadblocks. We have to find a simpler, better way to get our economy back on track and I am proud to offer this four point plan as a way to get the conversation started here in western Pennsylvania.”
Mike Kelly has spent his entire professional career creating family sustaining jobs in the private sector. He is the owner/operator of Mike Kelly Automotive in Butler, PA. His dealerships employ over 100 workers with family sustaining jobs.
“I think the best way we can honor American workers this Labor Day weekend is to get them back to work and get as many workers as we can in jobs they should be in. Our unemployment is unacceptable, and so is our underemployment. Washington needs to get out of the way where it should and be helpful where it can. Our recovery will not happen without a change of course. We need to act now in order for our kids and grandkids to have the same opportunities that we had and restore our proud heritage of a strong middle-class of hard working men and women,” concluded Kelly.
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Dahlkemper Continues to Mislead Voters
Congresswoman Dahlkemper’s TV ads clearly adopt the old adage “if you can’t convince them, confuse them.”
Butler, PA –Mike Kelly (R-Butler), in response to Congresswoman Dahlkemper’s first round of TV ads in the Erie media market, made the following statement:
“Congresswoman Dahlkemper continues to mislead voters in Erie County and beyond by taking credit for opposing the 2008 bailout (TARP). Unfortunately for her and the taxpayers she represents, the paper trail just doesn’t support that claim. The fact is, Congresswoman Dahlkemper had numerous opportunities to railroad this outrageous government spending. Instead, her loyalty to Speaker Pelosi trumped her commitment to 3rd district voters.”
Background:
What she says…
• In a Sept. 23, 2008, article, The Herald in Sharon, Pa. reported, “Mrs. [Kathy] Dahlkemper [D-Pa.] — a small business owner — called the bailout a necessary evil, and said she also supports a string of Democratic amendments offered so far that would bring some of the relief to Main Street.”[1]
• In March 2009, Rep. Dahlkemper said that she voted against “the second Wall Street bailout”
• According to a March 15, 2009, Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D-Pa.) press release, “‘At a time when Pennsylvania’s middle class families are struggling to make ends meet, it is simply appalling that AIG would shell out millions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars in excessive bonuses for its executives,’ said Rep. Dahlkemper. ‘Such reckless disregard for the American people’s money is precisely why I voted against the second Wall Street bailout.
“‘The executives at AIG have an obligation to reject these bonuses and apologize to American taxpayers for so egregiously violating their trust,’ continued Dahlkemper. ‘Congress and the Obama Administration must take additional steps to further protect taxpayer dollars through increased accountability and transparency.’”[2]
Opposed to what she actually does…
• In December 2009, Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper voted against an effort to repeal the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and lower the national debt limit
• On Dec. 11, 2009, Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D-Pa,) voted against a Rep. Dent, R-Pa., motion to recommit the bill to the House Financial Services Committee with instructions that it be immediately reported back with an amendment that would repeal the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and lower the national debt limit. (Motion rejected 190-232; D: 19-232; R: 171-0)[3]
• In January 2009, Rep. Dahlkemper voted against a bill to require Treasury to develop a plan for repayment of all assistance provided under the bailout and repeal authority to spend the final $350 billion
• On Jan. 21, 2009, Rep. Dahlkemper voted against a Rep. Barret, R-S.C., motion to recommit the bill to the Financial Services Committee with instructions that it be reported back forthwith with language that would require the Treasury Department to develop a plan for repayment of all assistance provided under the $700 billion 2008 financial industry bailout law and repeal authority to spend the final $350 billion. (Motion rejected 199-228; R: 172-2; D: 27-226)[4]
• In January 2009, Rep. Dahlkemper voted to expand TARP to be used for an auto manufacturers’ bailout and to include support of state and local municipal bonds, consumer loans, and commercial real estate loans
• On Jan. 21, 2009, Rep. Dahlkemper voted for passage of H.R. 384 which would set conditions on the use of the second $350 billion provided under a 2008 law to buy certain mortgage assets. It would require the Treasury to commit between $40 billion and $100 billion for foreclosure mitigation, require the Treasury to begin committing funds within a week of enactment to develop a plan to prevent and mitigate foreclosures on residential mortgages, and authorize the Treasury to provide assistance to domestic automobile manufacturers under the program. The bill’s executive compensation restrictions could be applied retroactively to institutions that have already received assistance under the program. It would require fund recipients to report quarterly on the amount of lending and related activities attributable to the program’s assistance and prohibit recipients from purchasing other financial institutions unless authorized by the Treasury. (Passed 260-166, D: 242-10, R: 18-156)[5]
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Mike Kelly Becomes an NRCC “Young Gun”
Politics PA
August 31, 2010
http://www.politicspa.com/kelly-becomes-an-nrcc-young-gun/15737/
The NRCC has moved congressional candidate Mike Kelly, running against incumbent Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper, into its “Young Gun” program, which is designed to identify the GOP’s top pick-up opportunities across the country, The Hotline reports.
Kelly and Dahlkemper are battling in the 3rd Congressional District in the state’s northwest corner, a seat held for 14 years by Republican Phil English before Dahlkemper narrowly defeated him in 2008. The moderate district is considered prime territory for Republican’s this year in a political far more favorable to them than in 2010.
Dahlkemper holds a significant financial advantage over Kelly, but the Butler County car dealer has the ability to self-fund his campaign and has indicated he plans to do so. Kelly is one of 52 “Young Guns” for the NRCC nationwide.
NRCC spokesman Tory Mazzola said Kelly’s plan to lower taxes is resonating with voters in the area. “As Kathy Dahlkemper tries to spin her record with false TV ads paid for with special interest money, Mike Kelly’s talking to voters about his plans to lower taxes, stop reckless spending and create jobs,” the spokesman said. “He’s generating momentum across Northwestern Pennsylvania and will hold Dahlkemper accountable this fall for voting with Speaker Pelosi 94 percent of the time and failing to help put people back to work.”
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Kelly Responds to Dahlkemper’s Campaign Franking Comments
Calls Opponent’s Response “Typical Arrogance of Inside-the-Beltway Politicians”
Butler, PA – Mike Kelly (R-Butler) responded to Congresswoman Dahlkemper’s campaign’s myriad of comments this past Friday after it was revealed that her office has spent tens of thousands of dollars on issue-based franked mail on the backs of taxpayers the past couple of months.
• Dahlkemper Campaign: Campaign spokesperson said, “Mike Kelly clearly doesn’t understand how the U.S. House franking mail process works, or he simply doesn’t know what he’s talking about… It’s a fabricated issue.” (Erie Times News, 08/21/10). Mike Kelly response: “The Dahlkemper campaign is right, I don’t get it. Neither do a majority of voters in her district. We would love to have her educate us. The mailers may pass the ethical standards of inside-the-beltway Washington insiders but they sure as heck wouldn’t pass any kind of ethical standard for western Pennsylvania voters.”
• Dahlkemper Campaign: Campaign spokesperson said, “The Congresswoman believes this is a good, effective and perfectly proper way to communicate with 3rd District constituents.” (Meadville Tribune, 08/21/10). Mike Kelly response: “There are proper ways to use franking privileges and the way Congresswoman Dahlkemper has used them for her last three mailers does not qualify as proper according to me and a majority of the people of this district. Announcing townhall meetings, official office business or federal services is what franking privileges should be used for, not pushing campaign issues. One voter said it best on Friday when referring to her office’s ironic ‘Making Government Tighten Its Belt’ mailer, ‘Her belt tightening is my noose.’”
• Dahlkemper Campaign: Campaign spokesperson said, “With so many important issues to confront in this campaign, it’s sad that he (Kelly) is wasting time with these groundless and frankly, silly, charges.” (Sharon Herald, 08/21/10). Mike Kelly response: “Apparently the Dahlkemper campaign has yet to figure out that this example of systematic taxpayer dollar abuse is the typical arrogance of inside-the-beltway politicians, particularly this Democrat Congress. Their arrogance and hubris continues to baffle many taxpayers and voters, this one included.”
Mike Kelly Calls for Dahlkemper to Use Campaign Funds to Return Franking Money to Treasury
Butler, PA – Mike Kelly (R-Butler) held several news conferences in the 3rd Congressional District on Friday calling on Congresswoman Dahlkemper to explain her Congressional office’s latest taxpayer paid “franked” mail pieces and called on her campaign committee to return the money from the last three mailers to the Treasury. Additionally, Kelly pledged that if elected, his Congressional office will disclose all office expenses monthly on his Congressional web site.
“Franking privileges exist for Members of Congress to communicate with their constituents on important federal services, to announce public meetings and other critical federal business,” said Kelly. “However, the Congresswoman’s last three franked mail pieces appear to be nothing more than taxpayer funded campaign mail. She needs to be held accountable for this abuse of taxpayer money and should return the money to the treasury from the campaign war chest her campaign likes to brag about.” Through March 31, the office of Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper has spent $128,321.80 on franked mail since being elected to Congress (source: disbursements.house.gov). Expenses for her office’s last three mail pieces have not yet been disclosed. Last month, Kelly’s campaign called on Mrs. Dahlkemper to disclose the cost of these mailers. “Now more than ever, people need to have faith that their elected representatives are good stewards of their money and are acting in the best interest of the people they represent,” continued Kelly. “These mailers don’t even come close to passing the smell test.” Kelly pledged that if elected, his office will disclose all office expenses on his Congressional web site to ensure transparency and accountability to voters in the 3rd district. Additionally, Kelly pledged that he will only use franked mail to announce important federal services or public notices and meetings.
“It may not be standard practice to consistently disclose office expenses to taxpayers and to use franking privileges responsibly, but it should be. I think sometimes Members of Congress forget it’s not their money, it’s the taxpayers’ money they are spending,” concluded Kelly.
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Mike Kelly Statement on States Bailout Package
Butler, PA – Mike Kelly (R-Butler), Republican nominee for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District seat released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives vote on the state aid package. Congresswoman Dahlkemper voted for the measure:
“With high unemployment and the national debt continuing to skyrocket, it is clear Congresswoman Dahlkemper and her fellow Democrat Members of Congress have absolutely no idea what they are doing to this country for our kids and grandkids. It is nothing short of generational theft. It seems they can’t help themselves with any spending package that comes down the pipe. They couldn’t be away from Washington for more than a few days without going back and spending more money we don’t have.
It appears Congresswoman Dahlkemper is once again more than willing to do Speaker Pelosi’s bidding instead of actually listening to the people of the 3rd Congressional District who are rightfully overwhelmed and frightened with her spending agenda. If Democrats in Congress wanted to do something to actually help the economy, they should be spending their time in Washington stopping the small business tax hike that is due to happen at the end of the year.”
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Paid for and Authorized by Mike Kelly for Congress: www.mikekellyforcongress.com
Kelly Receives Endorsement from American Solutions
Kelly Receives Endorsement from American Solutions
Organization Promotes Policy Solutions for American Prosperity
Butler, PA – Mike Kelly (R-Butler) has received the endorsement of one of the country’s most respected policy activist organizations, American Solutions, in his campaign for the 3rd Congressional District seat in Pennsylvania.
American Solutions for Winning the Future is a national, tri-partisan citizen action network. The organization, chaired by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, is designed to rise above traditional gridlocked partisanship and provide real solutions for some of the most important issues facing our country. Currently, American Solutions is focused on promoting policy proposals that address challenges with the economy, energy, education and corruption.
“We are proud to endorse Mike Kelly’s candidacy for the 3rd Congressional District in Pennsylvania,” said Gingrich. “Mike’s pro-growth, pro-freedom, pro-prosperity message is an easy one to support. Mike is an accomplished businessman who created over 100 family-sustaining jobs and has also served as a local leader to address challenges in his own community. He has truly walked the talk when it comes to making a difference.”
American Solutions has over 1.5 million members across the country and over 80,000 members in Pennsylvania.
“I am truly humbled to have the support of former Speaker Gingrich and American Solutions,” said Kelly. “If the voters in the 3rd District give me the honor of representing them in Washington, I plan to work hand-in-hand with American Solutions and other serious policy organizations to make the changes that will ensure a bright, prosperous future for our kids and grandkids. The generational theft that has been taking place in Washington, particularly over the last two years, has got to end.”
“I have been to Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District several times and can tell you Mike Kelly is the right person to represent this seat in Congress,” continued Gingrich. “America is in serious need of strong leadership in this next decade and we are very comfortable saying that we feel Mike Kelly can be an effective advocate for the real change needed.”
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Paid for & Authorized by Mike Kelly for Congress: www.mikekellyforcongress.com
Kelly Campaign Announces County Coordinators
Leadership Team to Counsel Campaign and Serve as Speaking Surrogates
Butler, PA – The campaign for Mike Kelly (R-Butler) has announced its county coordinators and core leadership team on the campaign committee. County coordinators will advise the campaign on local campaign strategy and tactics in addition to serving as speaking surrogates for the campaign. The 3rd Congressional District includes all of Erie County and parts of Crawford, Warren, Mercer, Butler, Armstrong and Venango Counties.
The county coordinators for the Mike Kelly for Congress campaign committee are the following:
Erie County – Lyell Cook, Erie County Coroner
Crawford County – Patti Weatherbee, Crawford County Clerk of Courts and Emmy Arnett Duffy, Crawford County Prothonotary
Mercer County – Ginny Richardson, Mercer County Treasurer and Walter Richardson, Member of PA GOP State Committee
Butler County – Art Rauschenberger, Butler County GOP Chairman
Armstrong County – William Rush, Former Armstrong County GOP Chairman
Warren County – Kathy Rapp, State Representative (PA-65) and Dennis Munksgard, Member of Warren County GOP Committee
Venango County – Sam Breene
“I could not be more excited with my campaign committee’s leadership team,” noted Kelly. “All of the individuals on this team are well-respected elected officials, business leaders or community activists in their respective counties. The counsel, advocacy and leadership that they will bring to this campaign will be invaluable.”
Mike Kelly won the Republican nomination for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District seat this past May. That National Republican Congressional Committee released a polling memo in late July that shows Mike Kelly currently leading incumbent Congresswoman Dahlkemper by 11 points.
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Paid for and Authorized by Mike Kelly for Congress: www.mikekellyforcongress.com
Mike Kelly Interviewed by KDKA in Pittsburgh
Mike Kelly’s interview with KDKA in Pittsburgh – Check it out at http://kdka.com/butler/Republican.Mike.Kelly.2.1835205.html
Kelly Campaign Calls on Dahlkemper to Return Rangel Donation
Kelly Campaign Calls on Dahlkemper to Return Rangel Donation
Campaign Committee has Received $14,000 from Embattled Congressman
Butler, PA – On July 22nd Congressman Charlie Rangel (D-NY) was charged by the House Ethics Committee with several ethics violations. The Ethics Committee’s action sends the case to a public hearing on the charges this Thursday, July 29th.
The campaign committee for Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper has received $14,000 from Congressman Rangel. A number of Democrats across the country have voluntarily returned donations they have received from Rangel to avoid the appearance of any impropriety. To-date, Congresswoman Dahlkemper’s campaign committee has yet to return any of the money donated to them by Congressman Rangel.
“Now that the charges are official, we are calling on Congresswoman Dahlkemper to return Congressman Rangel’s donations,” commented Kelly campaign spokesperson Brad Moore. “At bare minimum the bi-partisan House Ethics committee believes that the Congressman from New York is ethically challenged. The right thing to do would be to return Charlie Rangel’s donation.”
Among other serious charges, Rangel is accused of not disclosing income earned and trading donations for political favors. (source: New York Daily News).
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Paid for and Authorized by Mike Kelly for Congress: www.mikekellyforcongress.com