Posted by Monday, December 21, 2009 10:20 a.m.
By Pat Camuso
GREENTOWN — Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Peifer of Greentown will not make a bid for U.S. Representative Chris Carney’s Congressional seat.
During an interview Monday morning, Peifer said he was amazed at the support and encouragement he has received for the past few weeks but in the end he yielded to the wishes of his family.
“My family comes first,” said Peifer. “We decided together that I would not run.”
Peifer said that he feels it necessary that a conservative Republican come forward to challenge Carney because of “the massive spending in Washington” and the overall unpopularity of the 111th Congress, saying, “People are scared. Carney is vulnerable…We need new leadership in Washington but there’s plenty to do in Harrisburg.”
Peifer said, “I can’t thank the people of the 139th and many fellow Republicans across the state enough for all their encouragement and support as I came to this decision.”
Carney must go as must specter and Casey!
all three voted to fine me, arrest me and jail me if I would not become obama’s slave and buy mandatory health insurance of their liking. It will be interesting to see how they squirm and wiggle to deal with the Mass. Election.. But say what they may they are an enemy to the US and State Constitutions!
What about Gene Yaw any chance he would get in?
He represents half the district
There has been little to no talk about State Senator Yaw getting in the race. Either Yaw or Lisa Baker would have an advantage but it does not look like they are interested in running for Congress.
Isn’t it sad that in a Republican District the PAGOP and NRCC cannot find anyone to run against a Democrat in a year that will favor Republicans around the country?
Malcolm Derk, Snyder County Commissioner, announced last night that he will be running for Congress in PA-10. Derk is a young conservative (about 27) and an impressive guy. He is from Snyder but also has connections to Pike since his wife is from Organge County (like many Pike County residents) and they had their wedding reception in Matamoras/Westfall.
No offence meant to Malcolm Derk, but he is two young and inexperienced be a Congressmen. As much as I want to see Carney defeated and admire Malcolm for running, he will lose. Look at his life experiences and then compare them to Carney. At least Mike Peifer had enough sense not to run, Malcolm is still naive enough to try. If you do some research on him you will also find some interesting comments on his behavior during the commissioners meetings, they are not flattering. There is now 11 months to the November election and the Republicans better wake up and find a viable conservative candidate, this is not a game anymore.
Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution states that “No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years…” which means that Commissioner Derk is NOT too young. Also, if elected he would not be the youngest member of Congress.
What should we consider enough “experience”? Being an insider? Lobbyist? Being able to self-finance a campaign?
I was hoping that Mike Peifer would run and I was urging him to. Mike made a decision that was best for his family and I respect him for it.
As of now, only ONE person has officially announced their campaign, Commissioner Derk, and Chris Carney is already paying attention. As conservatives and/or Republicans we must get behind our candidate and it is starting to look like it will be Derk. The NRCC has been in contact with him and it appears he may have their backing.
The PAGOP has attempted to talk people into running but many possible candidates didn’t want to get involved because the Republicans and conservtives do not have a great record of supporting the winner of the primary (2008). If Derk is our candidate he has my support and if you are a Republican and/or conservative you should be supporting him as well… of course you could announce that you are running to be the Republican candidate for Congress in PA-10.
It is time to get rid of Carney and take back the US Congress, lets all work together so we can get that done!
John. I have to disagree with you. Malcolm would do well. The answer is to bring real people back into politics with real life experiences and real morals. I have met Malcolm and have spoken with him at length. Greassroots, baby….
Mike Peifer was right when he stated that we need a conservative candidate and that Carney is vulnerable. “Conservative Republicans” are being handed a once in a life time opportunity to take back our country in 2010 and 2012, if you fail it’s your own fault. I can’t stress enough to unify, become active and aggressive. Seek a candidate who is not an insider, you want someone who is educated but has been working in the private sector. You need someone who is raising a family and has felt the effects of our non-representing representatives. The candidate’s platform should be national, our local issues are secondary at this point. Establish a website for the 139th and publish your goals, talk down Carney as much as possible in the blogs. Do not be afraid to openly speak you heart, the people are feeling the same as you and will respond.
That’s too bad. Mike is a good guy and I would have been proud to see him serve us in Congress.